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It’s day 7, and Uncle Sam may proceed in his military campaign against Iran. 

This week, both the House and Senate voted down measures that proposed preventing President Trump from launching any more attacks on Iran without congressional approval. 

Critics questioned whether the U.S. faced an “imminent” threat from Iran—a legal requirement for the Commander in Chief to take military action sans congress—when Trump ordered last Saturday’s attacks. Supporters argued the operation has been "necessary, lawful and effective, and reversing it now would weaken America."

The votes came as violence continues across the Middle East. Israeli forces reportedly bombed senior Iranian leaders Tuesday as they gathered to choose Supreme Leader Khamenei’s successor. The same day, an American submarine sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka—Uncle Sam’s first naval torpedo takedown since WWII.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Whether you’re critical of your government or think it’s unfairly criticized, the command for Christians is to love neighbors and enemies alike. That requires speaking about others with dignity and respect, even when we feel like they haven’t earned it.

“With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way… Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.”
James 3:9–10, 13 (CSB) (read full passage)

Apple’s going budget-friendly(ish). 

The fruit tech company unveiled two sub-$600 devices this week. The iPhone 17e will start at $599 and feature many flagship specs—A19 processor, 48MP camera, MagSafe charging, and double the space of its predecessor—while leaving off premium extras like Dynamic Island (a top-of-screen display bar) and ProMotion (a fancy display feature). It hits glass-walled stores March 11. 

The bigger Cupertino bombshell? The MacBook Neo—the first Mac powered by an iPhone chip, also starting at $599. It’s designed for students and light users, comes in four colors (see the options—warning: may cause ‘00s nostalgia), and promises up to 16 hours of battery life. Think Chromebook, but for Apple loyals.

The launches reflect the historically high-end tech brand’s push to reach price-sensitive buyers and compete more directly with mid-range devices.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Consumers and companies alike can use technology to hoard power and wealth or bless others. Whatever technology you’re using, remember to use every resource at your disposal to honor God and love others. 

“A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water. People will curse anyone who hoards grain, but a blessing will come to the one who sells it.” 
Proverbs 11:25-26 (CSB) (read full passage)

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The U.S. has launched joint operations with local forces in Ecuador to target drug trafficking. 

Ecuador’s President Noboa announced Monday that they were beginning joint actions with other nations as part of a “new phase” in fighting organized crime. The next day, U.S. Southern Command said on X they’re taking “decisive action” against “designated terrorist organizations,” and called the operations a “powerful example” of their partners’ commitment to combating narco-terrorism. 

A 30-second helicopter video accompanied SOUTHCOM’s statement (watch the bird here), but neither the Pentagon nor Ecuador’s Defense Ministry have released operational details.

The move is the latest in Washington's international war on drugs, following Uncle Sam’s strikes on suspected smuggling vessels, the capture of Nicolas Maduro on drug charges, and U.S. support in the Mexican army’s killing of cartel kingpin “El Mencho.”
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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Lack of details, especially when it comes to government operations, can leave us feeling unsettled, but we can look to our God who is not surprised by anything. His plan cannot be thwarted and His peace goes beyond anything the world can offer. Trust him today. 

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” 
John 14:27 (CSB) (read full passage)

China’s lowering the bar. Chinese leaders set a 2026 economic growth target of 4.5-5%, the country’s lowest goal since 1991. The downgrade reflects a sluggish property market, weak consumer spending, and trade tensions with the U.S. Beijing plans to issue $36B in consumer trade-in bonds to encourage spending, but pumped the brakes on issuing stimulus checks, prioritizing long-term economic stability. 

Coinbase found a friend in the White House. Shares jumped to 15.2% Wednesday after Coinbase’s CEO met privately with President Trump; #47 then urged banks to end a stalled-cryptocurrency-legislation-stand-off allowing crypto firms to pay customers interest on their “stablecoin” (a digital dollar designed to maintain its value) holdings. Banks reportedly fear this will lead customers to jump ship for crypto accounts.

Elon Musk took the stand Wednesday. Investors allege the billionaire intentionally tanked Twitter’s X’s stock in an attempt to (unsuccessfully) drive down the purchasing price during his 2022 acquisition by claiming the platform was rife with bots. Shareholders who lost during the volatility could be owed damages, but Musk denies wrongdoing and argues he can’t control the stock market.

Legendary football coach Lou Holtz died at 89 Wednesday. Holtz—best known for his 23-game winning streak, 1988 National Championship, and 11 seasons with Notre Dame (see his Fighting Irish highlights)—was the only coach to lead six different college teams to bowl games. After 33 seasons and a 249-132-7 career record, Holtz spent another decade-plus as a college football analyst.

President Trump has nominated a new DHS Secretary. Yesterday, #47 announced he was replacing Kristi Noem with Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) following two days of congressional hearings that raised questions about Noem’s department spending and her response to ICE-related shootings in Minneapolis. Trump said Noem will fill a new special envoy role focused on security “in the Western Hemisphere.”

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