There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true. —Soren Kierkegaard. "…truth is true even if nobody believes it, and falsehood is false even if everybody believes it. That is why truth does not yield to opinion, fashion, numbers, office, or sincerity–it is simply true and that is the end of it" – Os Guinness, Time for Truth, pg.39. “He that takes truth for his guide, and duty for his end, may safely trust to God’s providence to lead him aright.” – Blaise Pascal. "There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily" – George Washington letter to Edmund Randolph — 1795. We live in a “post-truth” world. According to the dictionary, “post-truth” means, “relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.” Simply put, we now live in a culture that seems to value experience and emotion more than truth. Truth will never go away no matter how hard one might wish. Going beyond the MSM idealogical opinion/bias and their low information tabloid reality show news with a distractional superficial focus on entertainment, sensationalism, emotionalism and activist reporting – this blogs goal is to, in some small way, put a plug in the broken dam of truth and save as many as possible from the consequences—temporal and eternal. "The further a society drifts from truth, the more it will hate those who speak it." – George Orwell “There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true.” ― Soren Kierkegaard
Have you ever questioned God? When something terrible happens to us, we may wonder if we can ask God hard questions. The short answer is, yes. But we also don’t want to cross into sinfully accusing God. We must ask, Is my question a real question or an accusation? Has God already given me an answer that I just don’t like, or am I genuinely confused about what He is doing?The first chapter of Job is a case study in tragedy. Job had lost everything: children, wealth, property, status. Yet, Job was known to be a man of God, blameless and upright (Job 1:1). The question is one we all face, why do bad things happen to people who love and follow God?Job was experiencing unbelievable suffering. But his first step took him to the feet of God. In an attitude of worship, Job reminded himself of two things he knew to be true: people arrived into the world without anything, and they leave without anything (v. 21). Furthermore, God can give blessings and take them away: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (v. 21).Note that Job did not accuse God of maliciousness. However, he did express anger at God. He did not withdraw from God because he lost trust in Him. Instead, he took a step closer to the One who controls all things. In this, Job showed us how to suffer. There is little value in charging God with wrongdoing when we face difficulty. Like Job, we don’t have all the facts (Job 42:1–3). However, we should lament to the One who holds the answers, the One who controls all things.
Go Deeper Are you facing a difficult situation? Have you considered the relative weakness of your power when compared to God’s? While you may not understand what He is doing, that doesn’t change His position or love for you. Extended Reading: Job 1-2
Pray with Us Lord, how do we go through the inevitable suffering of this life? In the book of Job, You showed us how. Despite all his trials, anger, and confusion, Job didn’t sin against You. Thank You for Job’s honesty and faith!
1 Corinthians 13 In this week’s lessons we learn how Jesus perfectly carries out the biblical understanding of love, and how we, as His disciples, are called to show that same kind of love to others.
Theme
The Permanence of Love
In yesterday’s study we concluded by referring to the three reasons John gives in 1 John 4 for why we should love one another.
The first reason is found in verse 7: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” God is love. Therefore, if we are God’s children, something of the spiritual genes of our Father will appear in us. We will begin to love. We must love one another because love is God’s nature.
Second, this is how God shows His love among us: “He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (vv. 10-11). We have been loved in a great way. How can we who have been loved and whose salvation depends upon the work of that love, not love others?
Third, John writes, “No one has ever seen God; but if we love each other, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (v. 12). No one can see God. So no one can prove Him in an empirical way by saying, “There He is; go over and examine Him, and see how much He weighs.” No one has ever seen God. But the love of God, which is the nature of God, is seen in God’s people. And, therefore, if the world is to see God, it must be by the way you and I love one another.
The third section of 1 Corinthians 13 deals with love’s permanence. If there were no other reason why we should love, it is because love never fails. Other things do fail—but not love. Love will never pass away.
Years ago there was a preacher who had been talking about love, and when he had finished speaking, a little girl came up to him and said, “Sir, you said that I should love Jesus, but I don’t love Jesus. How can I love Him?”
In answering her the preacher said something which I think is profoundly wise. He said, “Little girl, when you go home I want you to do this. Every day when you wake up, and every night before you go to bed, I want you to repeat these words: Jesus loves me. Say it early in the morning, and say it at night: Jesus loves me. I think that if you do that, at the end of the week you will find that you love Jesus and you will come to love other people as well.”
The little girl came back later and said, “I did what you said, I said ‘Jesus loves me,’ and before long I knew I loved Him too.”
The reason why you and I do not love is that we are not aware of love, and the reason we are not aware of love is that we do not think often enough of Jesus. As we learn how He loves us, we will learn to love Him and each other.
Study Questions
What are the three reasons why Christians are to love one another?
Why is love permanent?
Application
Application: If you are having difficulty loving someone you know you must, pray for grace to be able to live out the love Christ has for sinners.
Key Point: We have been loved in a great way. How can we who have been loved and whose salvation depends upon the work of that love, not love others?
For Further Study: In order to love others, we need to first learn what it means to love God by loving His house and desiring to abide in His presence. Download for free and listen to James Boice’s message on Psalm 84, “The Psalm of the Janitors.” (Discount will be applied at checkout.)
Of the First Part of Prayer, which is Address to God, Adoration of Him, with Suitable Acknowledgements, Professions, and Preparatory Requests
My spirit being composed into a very reverent and serious frame, my thoughts gathered in, and all that is within me charged in the name of the great God carefully to attend the solemn and awful service that lies before me and to keep close to it, I must, with a fixed attention and application of mind and an active lively faith, set the Lord before me, see his eye upon me, and set myself in his special presence, presenting myself to him as a living sacrifice, which I desire may be holy and acceptable to God and a spiritual service; Romans 12:1(ESV) and then bind this festal sacrifice with cords up to the horns of the altar, Psalm 118:27(ESV) in such thoughts as these:
Let me now lift up my heart, with my eyes and hands, to God in heaven. Lamentations 3:41(ESV)
Let me now with confidence enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for me through the curtain, that is, through his flesh. Hebrews 10:19-20(ESV)
Let me now attend to the Lord with undivided devotion, 1 Corinthians 7:35(ESV) and let not my heart be far from him when I draw near to him with my mouth and honor him with my lips. Isaiah 29:13(ESV)
Let me now worship God, who is spirit, in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. John 4:23-24(ESV)
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.
Mark 9:2
A remarkable event! There are four dramatic occurrences in this account that immediately capture our attention: First, there is the glorious change in the person of the Lord Himself: Suddenly, as they were with Jesus there on that mountain, His countenance altered. His face began to shine, His garments became white, and His whole being radiated glory. What happened to Jesus? We can only understand this when we see that what He did was to slip back into eternity, in a sense, back into his pre-human glory. It is evident therefore that our Lord did not have to die. That is one of the meanings of the transfiguration. It makes clear that He had no reason to pass through death. He could step back across the boundary of time into eternity without passing through death.
The second thing that grips us is the account of the heavenly visitors, Moses and Elijah. The disciples seemed to have no difficulty at all in recognizing instantly who these men were. Jesus did not say, Now, Peter, James, and John, I’d like you to meet Moses and Elijah. No, they knew instantly who they were. There will be no need for introductions in glory.
The third element of great interest in this account is the proposal that Peter makes. After hearing these men discussing these strange events together, Peter, in his usual manner, interrupts: Master, it is good for us to be here. This is tremendous! Let’s make three booths and live here. Let’s settle down here and make this our world headquarters. We’ll make one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. He evidently has in mind that they would transform that mountain into the headquarters for the worldwide reformation movement that was going to start. They would operate right from that mountain, as the center of all activity. That shows how foolish he was and how little he understood what Jesus had been trying to tell him. Someone has said that there are only two kinds of speakers: those who have something to say, and those who have to say something! Peter was someone who just had to say something. So he makes this proposal that they make this their headquarters for a great campaign to take over the world.
But he scarcely had gotten the words out when he was interrupted, and the fourth dramatic event occurred. Suddenly they were overshadowed with a cloud. It is my conviction that it was the identical cloud mentioned in the Old Testament, which hovered over the tabernacle during the day–the glory of God, called the shekinah. They heard a voice speaking out of the cloud saying, This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him. There is no doubt that this is a correction of Peter’s brash statement. The Father Himself is saying, Peter, do not put Jesus on a par with Moses and Elijah. You listen to Him. He is the one of whom Moses and Elijah spoke. He is the one who fulfilled all the predictions of the prophets and the sacrifices of the law. Listen to Him; this is my beloved Son.
Lord. I am grateful for this preview of glory. Teach me to stand back in awe at who You are and what You have planned for me.
Life Application
Jesus’ disciples witnessed an eye-opening revelation of the majesty and deity of Jesus. What are the amazing implications for us as we read of His transfiguration?
1And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”
2After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
5Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
7Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
8Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.
11And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”
12Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”
14When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
16“What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.
17A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”
19“O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
20So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”
“From childhood,” he answered. 22“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
23” ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.”
24Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”
26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
28After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
29He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
Ver. 13.—I do set. Literally, I have given, or placed, an indication that the atmospheric phenomenon referred to had already frequently appeared (Syriac, Arabic, Aben Ezra, Chrysostom, Calvin, Willet, Murphy, Wordsworth, Kalisch, Lange). The contrary opinion has been maintained that it now for the first time appeared (Bush, Keil, Delitzsch), or at least that the historian thought so (Knobel); but unless there had been no rain, or the laws of light and the atmospheric conditions of the earth had been different from what they are at present, it must have been a frequent spectacle in the primeval heavens. My bow. I. e. the rainbow, τόξον (LXX.), (cf. Ezek. 1:28). The ordinary rainbow consists of a series of successive zones or bands of polarised light, forming little concentric circles in the sky, and having a common centre almost always below the horizon, and diametrically opposite to the sun. It is produced by the refraction and reflection of the sun’s light through the spherical raindrops on which the rays fall, and, accordingly, must always appear, with a greater or a lesser degree of visibility, when the two material agencies come in contact. The part of the sky on which the rainbow is thrown is much more bright within than without the bow. The outer space is dark, almost black; and the inner space, on the contrary, melts into the violet almost insensibly (Nichol’s ‘Cyclopedia of the Sciences,’ art. Rainbow). It is here styled God’s bow, as being his workmanship (cf. Ecclus. 43:12), and his seal appended to his covenant (ch. 9:17). In the cloud. עָנַן, that which veils the heavens, from a root signifying to cover (Gesenius). And it shall be for a token. לְאוֹת=εἰς σημεῖον (LXX.). In Greek mythology the rainbow is designated by a name (Iris) which is at least connected with ἔρω, to speak, and εἰρήνη, peace; is represented as the daughter of Thaumas (wonder), and Electra (brightness) the daughter of Oceanus; is assigned the office of messenger to the king and queen of Olympus; and is depicted as set in heaven for a sign (Homer, ‘Il.,’ ix. 27; xvii. 547, 548; xxiv. 144, 159; Virgil, ‘Æn.,’ iv. 694; v. 606; Ovid, ‘Met.,’ i. 270; ix. 585). The Persians seem to have associated the rainbow with similar ideas. An old picture, mentioned by Stolberg, represents a winged boy on a rainbow with an old man kneeling in a posture of worship. The Hindoos describe the rainbow as a warlike weapon in the hands of Indras their god, “with which he hurls flashing darts upon the impious giants;” but also as a symbol of peace exhibited to man “when the combat of the heavens is silenced.” By the Chinese it is regarded as the harbinger of troubles and misfortunes on earth, and by the old Scandinavians as a bridge uniting earth and heaven (‘Kalisch on Genesis,’ pp. 223, 224). Traditional reflections of the Biblical narrative, they do not “account for the application in the Pentateuch of the rainbow to a very remarkable purpose,” or “explain why the New Testament represents the rainbow as an attribute of the Divine throne,” or “why angels are sent as messengers on earth” (Kalisch); but are themselves accounted for and explained by it. The institution of the rainbow as a sign clearly negatives the idea (Aquinas, Cajetan) that it was originally and naturally a sign; which, if it was, “it was a lying sign,” since the Flood came notwithstanding its prognostications (Willet). Of a covenant. “The bow in the hands of man was an instrument of battle (ch. 48:22; Ps. 7:12; Prov. 6:2; Zech. 9:10); but the bow bent by the hand of God has become a symbol of peace” (Wordsworth). Between me and the earth.
Spence-Jones, H. D. M., ed. (1909). Genesis (pp. 143–144). Funk & Wagnalls Company.
9:13 “bow … a sign” The rainbow may first have appeared here. Genesis 2:5–6 implies that initially watering took place in a different way from rain (i.e. mist from the ground). It is just possible that the bow (BDB 905) was a weapon that God put down (i.e. will not destroy mankind in judgment). In ancient times hanging up the bow was a symbol for peace. It is also possible that God put a new meaning to a common physical occurrence.
Utley, R. J. (2001). How it All Began: Genesis 1–11: Vol. Vol. 1A (p. 108). Bible Lessons International.
9:13 A “covenant” (berit, Heb.) is the most solemn and binding form of divine promise, an assurance to man of divine commitment, and a reminder given by God of His faithfulness. God makes the covenant, fixes its terms and conditions, and remains everlastingly faithful (3:15; 12:1–3; Ex. 19:5; Deut. 30:3; 2 Sam. 7:16). There are seven covenants made between God and man: (1) The Adamic covenant provided for man’s enjoyment of Eden if he refrained from eating the forbidden fruit (2:16, 17). When man broke the covenant, God responded with a way of escape (3:15). (2) The Noahic covenant concerned the earth and its seasons (vv. 8–17). (3) The Abrahamic covenant provided blessing in the Promised Land (12:1–3). (4) The Mosaic covenant concerned the blessings of obedience (Ex. 19:5). (5) The restoration covenant (which some view as simply a preview of the new covenant) promised a return to the land and the restoration of one’s heart commitment to YAHWEH (Deut. 30:3–10). (6)The Davidic covenant promised that the royal lineage of the Messiah would come through Israel (2 Sam. 7:16). (7) The new covenant primarily concerned the coming millennial age with its victorious rule, although believers presently experience some of its blessing (Jer. 31:31–34; Heb. 8:8). The terms of the covenant with Noah include human responsibilities and a divine promise: (1) the warning that blood must not be eaten (v. 4), (2) the principle of retributive human judgment (v. 6), (3) the responsibility that the earth must be populated (v. 7), and (4) the promise that the earth shall never again be punished by a similar deluge. The rainbow was the sign of God’s covenant (vv. 9–17).
Criswell, W. A., Patterson, P., Clendenen, E. R., Akin, D. L., Chamberlin, M., Patterson, D. K., & Pogue, J., eds. (1991). Believer’s Study Bible (electronic ed., Ge 9:13). Thomas Nelson.
Nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of Heaven. (Matthew 26:64)
Ah, Lord, Thou wast in Thy lowest state when before Thy persecutors Thou wast made to stand like a criminal! Yet the eyes of Thy faith could see beyond Thy present humiliation into Thy future glory. What words are these, “Nevertheless-hereafter!” I would imitate Thy holy foresight, and in the midst of poverty, or sickness, or slander, I also would say, “Nevertheless-hereafter.” Instead of weakness, Thou hast all power; instead of shame, all glory; instead of derision, all worship, Thy cross has not dimmed the splendor of Thy crown, neither has the spittle marred the beauty of Thy face. Say, rather, Thou art the more exalted and honored because of Thy sufferings.
So, Lord, I also would take courage from the “hereafter.” I would forget the present tribulation in the future triumph. Help thou me by directing me into Thy Father’s love and into Thine own patience, so that when I am derided for Thy name I may not be staggered but think more and more of the hereafter, and, therefore, all the less of today. I shall be with Thee soon and behold Thy glory. Wherefore, I am not ashamed but say in my inmost soul, “Nevertheless-hereafter.”
There’s often confusion about the difference between mentoring and discipleship, especially within Christian circles. The terms get tossed around as if they’re interchangeable. Someone might say they’re being discipled or mentored by another, or that they’re doing the discipling or mentoring themselves. On the surface, these two processes share similar traits—they both involve teaching, sharing insight, and listening carefully to where someone is in life in order to help them move forward. Each one is deeply interpersonal: a connection forms between two people, shaped by mutual trust and intention. Yet, as I’ve discovered both in my professional work and spiritual journey, the difference between the two couldn’t be more profound.
As a detective, I understand the value of mentorship. You can be mentored about just about anything. Need to investigate missing persons or work a cold case? If I have the experience, I can mentor you in those areas. The mentoring process is inherently flexible and often niche, shaped by the particular skills and wisdom the mentor brings to the table. You could ask for advice on becoming a better golfer, or even seek mentorship in something as specialized as sushi-making. Sure, I could tell you how to approach a green, improve your swing, or refine your technique as a sushi chef. And it’s possible—common, even—to be mentored in a way that never once brings Jesus into the conversation.
What makes discipleship distinct is that it’s fundamentally Jesus-centered. When I disciple someone, the goal is no longer just the transfer of wisdom or skill. The objective is to share what Jesus has been teaching his followers for over two thousand years. It’s about conveying the teachings of Jesus, the heart of what He wants us to know and become. Mentoring can be compartmentalized; it can stay in a professional or hobby lane, never touching the deeper reaches of belief or character. In contrast, discipleship encompasses every aspect of life—there is no area of existence untouched by the words and life of Jesus.
Mentoring often relies on my own power. If you ask for help investigating a crime or learning an everyday skill, I draw from my personal experience, my training, my own insights. It’s a transfer from one person to another—useful, but limited to human capacity. But when I disciple someone, I have to step back and surrender control. Discipling demands that I allow the Holy Spirit to guide my words and actions. In this setting, my aim is not to be seen, but to become invisible so that God is visible. I can mentor someone using only what’s within me. To disciple effectively, I have to recognize that what matters most isn’t my knowledge or experience, but God’s transformative work in the lives of others.
Mentoring often relies on my own power. But when I disciple someone, I have to step back and surrender control. Share on X
And here’s something else: while mentoring can be highly specialized, discipleship is comprehensive. It’s not just about a particular skill set or professional technique. Jesus’ teachings speak to every corner of our lives—how we think, act, relate to others, use our talents, and make decisions. There isn’t a single aspect of creation that’s off limits to His influence. Discipleship means walking alongside someone and showing how the gospel intersects with daily life, whether you’re at work, at home, or even rolling sushi. Jesus reaches into every sphere, and it’s our job to illuminate that reality for others.
So while I value mentoring, and am often called upon to offer guidance in specific areas, I recognize something higher and deeper at work when I disciple. Discipling isn’t just passing along techniques—it’s nurturing transformation, fostering conformity not to me or my way of doing things, but to the image of the Master himself, Jesus of Nazareth. In the end, that’s the real distinction: mentoring begins and ends with me, but discipleship is all about surrendering myself to the One who calls us to make disciples—not just students, but followers of Christ in everything we do.
For more information about how to flourish based on secular research and the ancient wisdom of the bible, please read The Truth in True Crime; What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life. This book teaches readers 15 rues for life, recognized in murder investigations. It also makes a case for the reliability of the Bible from Biblical anthropology. The book is accompanied by a sixteen-session Truth in True Crime Video Series (and Participant’s Guide) to help individuals or small groups examine the evidence and make the case.
The beginning of a new year brings all kinds of emotions with it. Maybe it’s just the excitement of a new start, or the anticipation of some new venture in the year to come—a wedding, an expected birth, a special holiday. Or perhaps it’s the optimism that comes from making a set of new year resolutions. But a new year can bring with it very different feelings: anxiety, uncertainty, even fear. What lies in store for me this year? Heartache and suffering? What if some tragedy strikes? Will I be able to cope? Given all the geopolitical upheavals all around the world, and especially in some of the most volatile flashpoints on earth, what seismic shifts might we experience in 2026?
Christians are subject to the ups and downs of life in a fallen world as much as anyone else, but we have comfort and hope in the midst of uncertainty that no unbeliever has. We know that our Father in heaven is in control of everything that happens and is working out his purposes for us.
One of the most helpful verses to hold on to whenever we are fearful about the future is Jeremiah 29.11: ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.’ These are words you may know very well, but do you know the verses around them so well? Did you know they were written to the Jews at perhaps the darkest episode in their history as a nation? Jerusalem was in ruins and the people who hadn’t been slaughtered by Nebuchadnezzar’s army had been deported hundreds of miles from home to Babylon. To these frightened, bewildered and despairing exiles in Babylon Jeremiah reveals that what seems like a catastrophic mess is part of the great unfolding plan of their covenant Lord.
Jeremiah tells his readers that God’s plans for them include their sufferings. In verses 4 and 7 God says ‘I carried you into exile.’ This disaster hadn’t caught God unawares—it was part of his good purpose for his people. So too for us, all our trials and stresses are part of God’s plan for us. Otherwise they are meaningless at best or at worst they are triumphs of Satan over God.
Jeremiah also tells his readers that God’s plans for them are for their spiritual good. They are ‘plans for welfare and not for evil.’ That must have sounded astonishing to the exiles in Babylon! ‘How can this appalling calamity possibly be for our welfare?’ Of course God is referring to their spiritual welfare, as verses 12-14 make clear. Terrible as the exile was, this was what God had to do to bring the people to genuine repentance for their idolatry. You too can be sure that whatever God’s plan for you looks like in 2026, it is for your welfare—to make you holy whatever the cost. He may bring that about through a protracted illness, or through being made redundant, or even through the death of a loved one. But his word tells us it’s part of his plan for our welfare.
And Jeremiah also tells his readers that God’s plans for them are inevitably fulfilled. Because God is God, his plans never fall through. The Jews proved this in Babylon. The exile lasted 70 years, just as God had planned. And the people came back spiritually transformed, just as God had planned. And the Lord’s plans for your life and mine can’t be thwarted. His plan is to change you more and more into the image of his Son in this world and then to bring you to heaven. No power in the universe can stop that from happening. God’s plans may take time to work out, but they always work out. Whatever he does in your life in 2026 is part of his plan to prosper us and give us a future and a hope.
An atheist professor grows visibly frustrated during a public debate on truth, morality, and Christianity, then storms out mid conversation. What starts as a tense exchange turns into a revealing moment about absolute truth, open mindedness, and whether atheism can account for right and wrong. Watch what happens when hard questions meet even harder answers.
27:6. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. Like the preceding proverb, this one prefers the pains of true friendship to the professions of false love. When a ‘friend’ (lit., ‘one who loves’) confronts, it may feel like ‘wounds’ (or ‘bruises’). Love sometimes hurts in order to heal. But, such ‘wounds’ are ‘faithful.’ That is to say, they arise from a heart that is true and pure in its commitment to our welfare. Such were the words of Nathan to David (2 Sam. 12:7) and such are God’s to us (Job 5:17–18). Such words go to the depths of or our ‘innermost parts’ (Prov. 20:30) and work change for the better. We should wear such marks of friendship like a prize (Prov. 25:12). Such friendship risks the relationship on the hope that ‘He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue’ (Prov. 28:23). In contrast (‘But’) are the supposed marks of commitment from ‘an enemy’ (lit., ‘one who hates’). Like Judas to Jesus (Matt. 26:49), the false friend feigns friendship to achieve a personal goal. Such a one prostitutes (Prov. 5:3–4) the friendship. Despite what is on his lips, ‘he lays up deceit in his heart’ (Prov. 26:23–24). The greatest challenge of this proverb is the translation of the word standing behind our ‘deceitful.’ The word is obscure, and many translations have resulted (‘multiplies’ NIV, ‘profuse’ RSV and NRSV, ‘deceitful’ KJV and NKJV, ‘perfidious’ NEB, ‘ominous’ JB). Generally, either translators have looked for an emendation to the Hebrew text or link it to an Arabic word, from which they seek to derive a suitable contrast to ‘faithful’ in the first line. Though suggested translations have been abundant, generally, modern translators have sided either with a meaning something like ‘profuse’ or ‘deceitful.’ The former follows the suggestion that the Hebrew form is identical to the more common Hebrew word meaning ‘to pray. But, that it is a totally unique word carrying this new meaning. The actual existence of such a word is somewhat doubtful, since this would be the only occurrence we have of it.11 The latter translation requires an emendation of the Hebrew text to recreate a word that makes a suitable parallel to the ‘faithful’ found in the first line. This has yielded a variety of guesses. In the end, a translation something like ‘profuse’ may be preferable, because it does the least violence to the Hebrew text as we have it, though it should be considered tentative at best.
Kitchen, J. A. (2006). Proverbs: A Mentor Commentary (pp. 606–607). Mentor.
27:6. An enemy (lit., “one who hates”) may seem to be a friend by his many kisses, and a true friend (lit., “one who loves”) may seem to be an enemy by the wounds he inflicts (probably inner hurts that come from being rebuked or criticized; see v. 5). Yet, ironically, the rebukes may actually be more genuine expressions of friendship.
Buzzell, S. S. (1985). Proverbs. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 963). Victor Books.
27:6 Most people do not want to be honest with you about your faults; they are afraid that you will turn against them. It is a true friend who is willing to risk your goodwill in order to help you by constructive criticism. The kisses of an enemy are deceitful, or profuse (RSV). Judas gave a sign to the mob in advance to help them distinguish Jesus from the disciples; the sign was a kiss. The universal symbol of love was to be prostituted to its lowest use. As he approached the Lord, Judas said, “Hail, Master!” then kissed Him profusely. Two different words for kiss are used (Matt. 26:48, 49). The first, in verse 48, is the normal word for kiss. But in verse 49, a stronger word is used, expressing repeated or affectionate kissing.
MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments (A. Farstad, Ed.; p. 859). Thomas Nelson.
“It behooves you, therefore, to think and act for yourself and your people. The great principles of right and wrong are legible to every reader; to pursue them requires not the aid of many counselors. The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest. Only aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail.” —Thomas Jefferson (1775)
Machado gives Peace Prize to Trump: On Thursday, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met with Donald Trump at the White House, where she took the opportunity to give him the Nobel Peace Prize she had received last year. She explained her gesture “as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom.” Trump thanked Machado, saying that meeting her was a great honor and that “she is a wonderful woman who has been through so much.” Machado would currently be the president of Venezuela without the election-rigging efforts of the now-ousted Nicolás Maduro. Now, Venezuela’s acting president is Delcy Rodriguez, who has been cooperating with the Trump administration on its demands. The White House has determined that stabilizing Venezuela and eventually holding free elections is a better course than attempting to completely remove the Maduro regime from the government now. Thus far, no timeframe for future elections has been set.
Senate sends three spending bills to Trump: Like the House on Wednesday, the Senate on Thursday approved funding bills that last through the end of fiscal year 2026. In an 82-15 vote, three funding bills were approved in a minibus and sent to President Trump’s desk. The bills provide funding for the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, and Energy. Congress has struggled to pass funding without omnibus bills in recent years, so these smaller packages are a hopeful sign. A funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security is likely to face steeper challenges thanks to Democrats doing everything they can to protect illegal aliens from deportation. At the same time, a proposal to extend the expired ObamaCare subsidies has stalled in the Senate. Republicans insist that enhanced subsidies cannot be renewed without closing loopholes that some states are using to fund abortions in violation of the Hyde Amendment.
Khalil update: In a win for the Trump administration, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz lacked “subject-matter jurisdiction” when he ordered the federal government to stop its deportation efforts against anti-Israel agitator Mahmoud Khalil. Last June, Farbiarz ordered Khalil released from detention, where he had remained after his arrest by DHS in March. “Mahmoud Khalil was given the privilege of coming to America to study on a student visa he obtained by fraud and misrepresentation,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson observed. “Those who lie to the government to obtain entry into the United States will face justice.” The ACLU expressed its disappointment with the ruling but noted that it does not take immediate effect, thereby preventing the Trump administration from re-detaining Khalil while he seeks an appeal.
Biden illegals attack ICE: ICE was conducting a targeted traffic stop in Minneapolis on Wednesday when an illegal alien from Venezuela who entered the country under Joe Biden fled in his vehicle before crashing into a parked car. The suspect, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, ran on foot before an ICE agent caught up with him, leading to Sosa-Celis resisting arrest and struggling with the agent on the ground. Two other Venezuelan illegals emerged from a nearby apartment and began assaulting the agent with a snow shovel and a broom handle. He defended himself with his weapon, shooting Sosa-Celis in the leg. State Senator Bobby Joe Champion supported the illegals, saying their use of weapons didn’t change his opinion. The New York Times headline says this was an ICE shooting but fails to mention the assault by the illegals.
Doxxing within DHS: A DHS employee upset by the shooting of Renee Good has allegedly handed over personal information of more than 4,000 ICE and DHS agents to Dominick Skinner, an Irishman living in the Netherlands, who then informed the left-wing outlet The Daily Beast of the planned leak. The ICE List is a six-month-old website run by a Netherlands-based third party. Skinner reportedly said that the “whistleblower” gave him “the personal information of roughly 2,000 agents working on the frontlines of immigration enforcement and another 2,500 employees who work in supporting roles.” Skinner, who is not an American, told The Daily Beast, “It is a sign that people aren’t happy within the U.S. government, clearly.” The leak has not been published yet, but perhaps we ought to onshore websites containing personal American data?
Unrest continues in Iran: Iranian protests apparently continue, with firsthand reports hard to come by due to that nation’s ongoing internet shutdown. Earlier this week, President Trump told Iranian protesters to keep up the pressure, promising that help was on the way. That help has not materialized beyond diplomatic pressure, with any U.S. military action likely still a week away from operational readiness. Trump was evidently informed that even a significant bombing campaign may not cause the regime to collapse. Despite that, he is expected to order the USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class carrier, to the Middle East from its current post in the South China Sea. Trump promised Iranian leaders that he would respond if they killed protesters, which they have done. Evidently, though, an execution of 800 was stopped on Wednesday for fear of provoking Trump too far.
Verizon outage: “This was a software issue, not a cyber event,” a Verizon spokesman said of the outage that left hundreds of thousands of customers with no cellphone service for most of Wednesday afternoon and evening. Law enforcement agencies investigated the possibility of a cyberattack but ultimately ruled it out, blaming a server-related network issue in New Jersey. Despite the official explanations, some rumors continue to fly, suggesting a probing attack from a foreign adversary, with China the likeliest suspect. Verizon released an official statement saying it “did not meet the standard of excellence” customers expect and issued a $20 account credit to affected customers. The company said that the credit can’t make up for the loss of coverage, but it demonstrates the significance Verizon places on its failure.
DOJ stops China from getting U.S. flight simulator tech: Two shipping containers from South Africa that were headed to China were blocked by federal authorities on Thursday. They contained “mission crew trainers” flight simulators programmed with American software and U.S. defense tech data. The DOJ said that the confiscated simulators were “intended to assist the PLA to train personnel on the use of airborne warning and control system (AWACS) and antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, focused mostly on the capabilities of the U.S. ASW maritime patrol aircraft (‘MPA’) P-8 Poseidon, manufactured by Boeing.” The Test Flying Academy illegally purchased the U.S. flight simulator software. John A. Eisenberg, assistant attorney general for national security, stated, “TFASA masquerades as a civilian flight-training academy when in fact it is a significant enabler of the Chinese air and naval forces and a pipeline for transferring NATO aviation expertise, operational knowledge, and restricted technology directly to the People’s Liberation Army.”
Mortgage rates drop to three-year low: Freddie Mac noted on Thursday that the average mortgage interest rate has fallen to 6.06%, the lowest level in over three years. A year ago, the average rate on a fixed 30-year mortgage was 7.04%. Furthermore, the interest rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, which is popular with homeowners refinancing, is even lower at 5.38%. Last year it was 6.27%. Despite the encouraging mortgage rate news, homes in America remain at historic highs, with the national median price holding at roughly $365,000. That price is simply unaffordable for too many Americans. Housing prices have risen 54% over the last five years; over that same time span, Americans’ typical wages have risen just 29%.
Headlines
Minnesota “ICE Watch” declares “time is ripe to embrace militancy” (Free Beacon)
Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act in Minnesota (Daily Signal)
FBI ends protection detail for romantic partner of alleged Charlie Kirk assassin (Just the News)
Humor: U.S. offers to trade its liberal women for Iranian women (Babylon Bee)
The Executive News Summary is compiled daily by Jordan Candler, Thomas Gallatin, Sterling Henry, and Sophie Starkova. For the archive, click here.
Remember back during the early days of the Obama administration, when New York Times pontificator Tom Friedman dedicated an entire column to his mournful observation that we weren’t more like Communist China? That we couldn’t seem to get things done because the leaders of our “one-party democracy” weren’t as “enlightened” as the leaders of China’s “one-party autocracy”?
It was a telling and disgraceful bit of fetishism on Friedman’s part, but I’ll say this: Those leftist dirtbags in Minneapolis ought to thank their lucky stars that we aren’t China. Because if there’s one thing that totalitarian regimes know how to do, it’s putdown an insurrection.
And what’s going on in that leftist hellhole of Minneapolis is an insurrection, by any reasonable assessment. When a sitting mayor orders duly sworn federal agents to “get the f*** out” of an American city, that’s insurrectionist. When a sitting governor tells his citizens to both stalk and resist federal agents and threatens them with future prosecution for the crime of doing their jobs, that’s insurrectionist.
When that same governor, Tim Walz, inflames the passions of a dimwitted and impressionable sliver of the citizenry by claiming that ICE agents are a “modern-day Gestapo” and are committing “atrocities” and “just plain grabbing Minnesotans and shoving them into unmarked vans, kidnapping innocent people with no warning and no due process,” that’s insurrectionist.
And when he says, “Let’s be very, very clear: This long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. Instead, it is a campaign of organized brutality against the people of Minnesota by our own federal government,” that’s insurrectionist.
Think about it: If the Democrats believe a relative handful of miscreants and a whole bunch of Capitol tourists engaged in an insurrection on January 6, 2021, then what are we to make of the well-organized and dangerous mobsters we’re seeing in Minneapolis?
Perhaps sensing that he’d gone too far, Walz earlier this week tried to cool things down a bit … by blaming Donald Trump. “I am making a direct appeal to the president,” Walz said. “Let’s turn the temperature down. Stop this campaign of retribution. This is not who we are.”
That’s too little, too late. A few accommodating words, after months of hostile and incendiary rhetoric, don’t make things right.
To be clear, ICE wouldn’t even have to conduct these raids if Minnesota’s law enforcement agencies had simply cooperated with federal agents to enforce our immigration laws and protect the citizenry by getting some of these very bad people off the street.
But no. The Democrats have a midterm election to win, and their goal is to make Trump look like Hitler, regardless of the deep dishonesty that characterization entails. Trump, though, can’t let this continue. Otherwise, Minneapolis becomes a blueprint for well-funded leftists nationwide.
The question, though, is: What does Trump do?
Yesterday, Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807, thereby at least suggesting the possibility of sending U.S. troops into Minneapolis. Said Trump via Truth:
If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don’t obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State.
Does Trump have the authority to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807? Constitutional law professor Jonathan Turley certainly thinks so.
“The Insurrection Act,” says Turley, “is very generally worded. It allows a president to call out military force in order to enforce the laws of the United States. That was done by Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy in very similar circumstances. In those circumstances, you had local officials, including governors, who were extremely aggressive, anti-federal government, saying they would not assist in the enforcement of civil rights laws. These are obviously different laws. These are the immigration laws. But both are laws of the United States. And you have a governor here, and a mayor, who have been fueling the rage.”
What the professor is trying to say is that this has gone on long enough and threatens our Republic.
Nate Jackson: What’s in ‘The Great Healthcare Plan’? — President Trump presented the framework of a plan to redirect subsidies, negotiate lower prices, and increase transparency in the market.
Brian Mark Weber: ‘Negative Net Migration for the First Time in 50 Years’ — President Trump’s policies of closing the border, deporting criminal aliens, and incentivizing other illegals to leave have been remarkably effective.
Emmy Griffin: Gen Z Is Opting for Freedom of the Mind — Our youngest voting cohort is choosing to steward its screen time in a way that gives it back its freedom.
Thomas Gallatin: SCOTUS: Yes, Litigate Election Rules Before the Election — The Supreme Court rules that a candidate has standing to challenge election laws before an election, which is a big win for setting the rules before the game.
Ron Helle: The Prayers of the Saints — When we cry out to God with overwhelmed hearts and ask for His grace and mercy, He hears our prayers, which are like sweet-smelling incense.
“Let’s be very, very clear: This long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. Instead, it’s a campaign of organized brutality against the people of Minnesota by our own federal government.” —Minnesota Democrat Gov. Tim Walz
Moving the Goalposts
“‘She didn’t hit him with her car.’ ‘Ok she did but he wasn’t injured.’ ‘Ok he was injured but he didn’t say ow.’” — FreedomToons’s Seamus Coughlin on the evolving narrative around agitator Renee Good and ICE Agent Jonathan Ross
For the Record
“This can’t be said enough. If ICE is causing tension in communities, that could largely be addressed by cooperation with local law enforcement. But local law enforcement isn’t allowed to cooperate because the goal is not reduced violence — it’s ending all immigration enforcement.” —Mark Hemingway
“What we are witnessing is not spontaneous civic unrest. It is a sustained strategy of division, enabled by progressive activism untethered from accountability and amplified by legacy and social media ecosystems that reward outrage over truth.” —Armstrong Williams
Sad, but True
“Could someone please explain to the Iranian regime that there is a place called Minnesota? They could flee Iran, take up residence in Minneapolis, open child day care centers, and make not just more money from American taxpayers than they ever made in Iran, but could also have the local government hide them from Trump. It’s a pretty sweet deal.” —Erick Erickson
Double Standards
“Here’s another amazing display of left-wing hypocrisy: Democrats and their radical allies are filing a lawsuit demanding their states’ rights against federal immigration enforcement. At the same time they were in court Tuesday demanding that states’ rights be struck down when it comes to men in women’s sports!” —Gary Bauer
Upright
“Changing words to make behavior and identity seem more acceptable can change some minds. But it doesn’t change reality. Men do not belong in women’s sports. The [Supreme] Court should make that case.” —Cal Thomas
And Last…
“PRO TIP: Men CAN’T get pregnant and any Doctor who tells you they CAN probably studied medicine at the Quality LEARING Center.” —satirist Jimmy Failla
ON THIS DAY in 1920, the 18th Amendment went into effect, constitutionally banning the sale of alcohol. At least our ancestors had the decency to amend the Constitution for such a far-reaching law, but Prohibition was not the success proponents had hoped, and in 1933, the 21st Amendment repealed it.
Trump Administration warns Iran at the UN that “all options are on the table to stop the slaughter in Iran,” as Iranians and others throughout the Middle East are waiting to see what President Trump will do; even though potential US action has been delayed, some point out that President Trump needs time to put military assets in place, although some don’t believe Trump will take military action; Iran has reportedly brought in foreign mercenaries from Cuba, Iraq and elsewhere to crush the uprising because some of their own forces are hesitating to fire on their fellow Iranians; if the Iranian regime does fall, it would have enormous implications- exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi says Iran would then work with other countries to confront terrorism, extremist Islam and more, and restore friendship with the US; Chris Mitchell talks about what President Trump could do, concerns about the possible use of US military force, the status of the Internet in Iran, why Iranian security forces could be using drugs, reports that Iranian security forces won’t fire on other Iranians, the popularity of Pahlavi, and more; after removing Nicolas Maduro from power in Venezuela, a look at how President Trump dealt with the leftist President of neighboring Colombia; and a look at “Character Farms” – a special way to ease children’s fears of the doctor’s office or hospitals – and is being used in children’s ministries as well.
President Trump is scheduled to hold The Great, Historic Investment in Rural Health Roundtable at 10:00 AM ET. Join RSBN LIVE for Coverage Beginning at 9:00 AM ET on January 16, 2026
(SRN NEWS)-It’s an annual ranking of the countries where it’s most dangerous to be a Christian. North Korea is number one, followed this year by Somalia, Yemen, Sudan and Eritrea. Rounding out the top 10 are Syria, Nigeria, Pakistan, Libya and Iran. Open Doors also reports that nearly 400 million Christians around the world suffer high levels of persecution for their faith. That’s one-in-seven believers worldwide, one-in-five in Africa and two-in-five in Asia.
An Iranian commander’s distraught daughter has revealed ruthless regime leaders are now slaughtering their own children — as she sobbed that her father has ordered her to go out and kill innocent civilians.
(SRN NEWS)-According to a new poll from the Pew Research Center, only 57% of adults believe that the country’s religious leaders will act in the best interests of the public. That’s down from 63% five years ago. By contrast, 75% of Americans think the military will act in the best interests of the public, 77% feel the same about scientists and 70% believe this about the police. At the BOTTOM of the charts? Elected officials — just 27% think they’ll do any good.
( ) California Governor Gavin Newsom says he is blocking Louisiana’s attempt to extradite a doctor in the Golden State accused of mailing abortion pills. The Democratic governor’s announcement comes after Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican, said he sent the extradition paperwork. Louisiana has some of the strongest pro-life laws in the country, while California law does all it can to promote abortion and provide abortions to women from pro-life states. Newsom says extraditing the doctor would have violated an executive order he signed in 2022 barring state agencies from assisting other states’ efforts to prosecute abortion doctors.
( ) Abortion advocates have dropped a lawsuit against the Trump administration after officials agreed to restore millions in federal funding for family planning services. The American Civil Liberties Union sued the Department of Health and Human Services last year for withholding 27.5 million dollars during an investigation of state practices. In December, HHS confirmed compliance, citing federal civil rights laws. Republicans have long opposed the hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars that flow every year under the Title 10 program into Planned Parenthood — the nation’s largest abortion business — and its clinics.
( ) The Department of Homeland Security is making it easier for visa-holding religious workers to serve U.S. congregations with less disruption. DHS announced a change this week to reduce visa wait times abroad for foreign nationals serving as pastors, priests, imams and rabbis. These workers face long backlogs for permanent residency but can enter on temporary R-1 visas. The new rule removes the requirement for R-1 workers to leave the U.S. for a year after their visa expires. They can now apply to re-enter immediately. The change aims to support religious organizations and minimize disruptions in faith communities.
( ) A growing number of people are switching religions or abandoning them altogether in this country. The Pew Research Center reports that 35 percent of Americans eventually leave the faith they were raised in and the number one reason is that they no longer believe what that faith teaches — almost half say that. Other reasons for quitting a religion include clergy scandals and bad experiences at church. The Pew study also reveals that over half of people who leave the religion they were brought up in do not adopt another faith. Atheists, agnostics and followers of no particular religion now make up more than 25 percent of the U.S. population.
The people of the Middle East are waiting to see when and how President Trump will address Iran’s nearly three-week rebellion against the Islamic regime. The U.S. is sending an armada, which is now on its way to the region.
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