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Uncle Sam spent Monday makin’ money moves to put pressure on Russia and China. 

First, President Trump announced that he and Indian PM Modi reached a U.S.-India trade deal: 

Then, hoping to reduce America's reliance on Chinese-mined minerals, the White House announced “Project Vault,” a first-of-its-kind initiative to stockpile critical minerals used in tech (think: everything from iPhones to fighter jets).

The proposal—similar to the U.S. oil reserves—has secured $1.67B in private cash and a $10B federal agency loan. The news of the to-be-squirreled-away ores caused domestic mining shares to surge.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Regardless of whether the broader economy is struggling or thriving, Christians should seek to give generously of our time, talents, and resources to those in greater need. Reach out to your local church to see where help is needed. 

“Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”
Hebrews 13:16 (CSB) (read full passage)

A four-day, partial government shutdown ended yesterday.

ICYMI, ~78% of the government shuttered over the weekend, including the Departments of Defense/War, State, Treasury, and Homeland Security. 

Last month, Congress passed two bills to fund several government agencies, but after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, Senate Democrats blocked a third bill containing Homeland Security funding, demanding major reforms from the department, which oversees ICE and Border Patrol. 

Tuesday, the House voted on a Senate-passed bipartisan compromise to fund everything except DHS, and—with help from the White House—Speaker Johnson (R-LA) whipped juuuust enough GOP support to turn the lights back on. 

Now Congress has two weeks to negotiate DHS funding and reforms. One change is already underway: DHS Secretary Noem promised Monday that federal immigration agents will wear body cams in Minneapolis (and soon “nationwide”). 

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Verse to consider whether you’re stuck without a compromise or making conflict breakthroughs in your own home… “Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:16-18 (CSB) (read full passage)

In parts of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, the orphan crisis is growing, and food is running out. 

In some places—like Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo—violence and unrest are only making food scarcer. Children’s homes are struggling to survive in these fragile communities.

Serving Orphans Worldwide is combating the crisis, and you can help. 100% of your gift will provide hungry children and babies with nutritious meals, emergency groceries, life-saving formula, and long-term food security. 

Join Serving Orphans Worldwide in feeding as many hungry orphans as possible. Donate today—just $12 feeds a child for a whole month and teaches children the gospel. Plus, TPO is matching the first $4K given!

Curious how we choose sponsors?  Learn more  |  Advertise with us

Former first couple Bill and Hillary Clinton pulled a U-ey and agreed to testify in Capitol Hill’s Epstein probe.  

The decision came Monday, ahead of lawmakers advancing criminal contempt of Congress resolutions against the couple. The House Oversight Committee paused (but didn’t drop) the charges “to ensure that everybody goes through with their obligations,” with the Clintons saying a public hearing now best suits their “concerns about fairness." The couple will testify on separate dates at the end of February.

The DOJ also withdrew thousands of Epstein-related documents Monday after flawed redactions compromised nearly 100 victims, saying “technical or human error” was to blame.

Across the pond, Parliament member Peter Mandelson quit the House of Lords (usually a life-long role) following allegations that he leaked market-sensitive information about the 2008 financial crash to Epstein.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
When outcomes or people in the news disappoint us, we have to remember that our hope is not in others or any system... it’s much more secure than that. As believers, we have reason to praise the incorruptible Leader of leaders. He will never let us down. In all you do, seek to walk in His holy ways. 

“God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in him.” 
2 Samuel 22:31 (CSB) (read full passage)

The WSJ reported a whistleblower whistleblew against Director of National Intelligence Gabbard last May. The whistleblower’s attorney accused Gabbard of trying to hide it, while Gabbard’s office called the “highly classified” complaint “baseless,” saying disclosure could be dangerous for “national security.” This follows Gabbard receiving backlash from Democrats for appearing at a recent FBI raid on a Georgia election office.

The House of Mouse is getting a new Big Cheese. After a three-year search, Disney has tapped Josh D’Amaro, current chairman of Disney Experiences (theme parks, cruises), to replace Bob Iger as its next CEO. The 28-year Disney veteran will take the steamboat wheel in March as the company’s TV and film studios navigate waning viewership and waxing AI-generated content.

Police are investigating the disappearance of “Today Show” host Savannah Guthrie’s mother, saying she may have been taken against her will in a “possible kidnapping or abduction.” Nancy Guthrie, 84, with limited mobility, was last seen on January 31 at her home outside Tucson, Arizona, and investigators found signs of forced entry. Savannah released a statement yesterday asking for continued prayers.

Former First Lady Jill Biden’s ex-husband has been charged with killing his wife. William Stevenson, 77, was arrested Monday after an “extensive weekslong investigation.” In December, police found 64-year-old Linda Stevenson unresponsive when they responded to a domestic dispute call at their Delaware home; her cause of death has not been released. Stevenson was married to Biden from 1970-1975.

Good news for birthday partiers: Americans are living longer. A Thursday CDC report showed the average U.S. life expectancy rose to 79 years in 2024—an all-time high. Experts say declines in deaths from COVID, heart disease, cancer, and drug overdoses are major contributing factors. Still, the universal death rate continues to hover around 100%...

He has a disguise for everyone in the office...

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