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After months of icy negotiations, the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland have reportedly come to an a-green-ment.

On Friday, President Trump announced the trio had reached a deal that gives Uncle Sam “permanent control” over Greenland’s “security and all other needs.” Denmark confirmed the agreement Saturday, clarifying that the semiautonomous Danish territory would keep its sovereignty.

Trump, who previously suggested the U.S. would buy Greenland or take it “by force,” said the pact allows Washington to bump up its military presence on Fezzik’s stomping grounds and block any U.S. “adversary” from building a military base on it. (Learn why the Arctic island is such a hot commodity.)

The deal will be detailed and signed later this week at the U.N. General Assembly. Secretary of State Rubio said it “completely addresses… national security concerns in Greenland,” and Denmark said it hopes the agreement “strengthens security” for NATO and European countries.

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Verse to consider whether you’re conducting international diplomacy, negotiating a major business deal, or just trying to get your kid to eat their peas…

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (CSB) (read full passage)

The White House just drained three outlets from its press pool.

President Trump announced Friday that CNN, MS NOW, and Politico would be banned from the White House “effective immediately.” Trump said no single incident led to the ban, calling it “really just cumulative stories over the past few years,” and warned “other fake news media outlets” may follow.

The Secret Service denied entry to correspondents from the three news orgs on Saturday, confiscating their deactivated press badges.

The ousted outlets vowed to keep reporting on the administration and are expected to sue, with First Amendment experts saying the ban likely violates the Constitution’s protection of a free press. Trump replied that journalists shouldn’t “report fiction and lies,” and Arkansas Governor Sanders (R) defended #47’s commitment to the press, saying he is “more accessible… than any president in history.”

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PRAY WITH US
God of Light, guide us by the lamp of Your Word. Give reporters and editors boldness to ask tough questions, shrewdness to uncover the truth, wisdom to understand fact from opinion, and humility to admit when they get it wrong. Extinguish any selfish ambition, love of money, or fear of man, and illuminate truth, fairness, and justice.

Spirit of Truth, snuff out any bias in my own heart. Fan the flames of Your Word in the furnace of my soul, that I may see this truth clearly: You show no partiality, and nor should I. Help me to look around with discerning eyes, so that I may see the light of truth, and cling to You in the dark. Amen.

Stumped about how to pray over the headlines? Text PRAY to 71989 (it takes one click), and we’ll text you a 5-minute audio devotional to guide you in prayer every Monday.

Hussein was a 17-year-old drug addict in Iran when he turned to Christ. His own father reported him to the authorities: “I hope they decide to hang you. If they do, I’ll be the one who’ll put the rope around your neck.”

His story is one of many in I Am N, a book named for the Arabic letter Islamic extremists use to identify followers of Jesus the Nazarene. Across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, those who follow Jesus face fierce opposition… yet they remain faithful.

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The weekend saw military escalations across two continents.

Saturday, Iran-backed Houthi rebels took a big swing at Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, striking jet fuel storage at its airport and temporarily disrupting flights. The rebels are reportedly seeking to slow Saudi oil exports and increase pressure on the global economy. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says the pressure campaign isn’t working, claiming 1B+ barrels of oil have flowed from regional American allies.

Still, the U.S. State Department warned Americans to “seriously reconsider travel to and through” the Middle East, saying the conflict may “escalate rapidly.”

Then Sunday, Moscow’s mayor said Ukraine’s “most massive attack” hit the city’s main oil refinery and a residential building, killing two on the final day of Russia’s elections, while Ukrainian officials reported nine deaths in Kyiv and surrounding regions.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
When fast-changing circumstances in the world and in your life leave you anxious and disoriented, take comfort in the steadfastness of God. He is a Rock of refuge in raging storms.

“Lord, through all the generations you have been our home! Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.”
Psalm 90:1–2 (NLT) (read full passage)

AI Force, Assemble! President Trump announced Saturday he is forming an “AI Force” equipped with an AI czar to police bad actors, while vowing the U.S. won’t “hinder or stifle” the industry’s growth. Meanwhile, leading AI labs were sued Friday for allegedly colluding to slow development over safety concerns, reducing the value of consumers’ paid AI subscriptions.


Cuba’s electrical grid collapsed Friday for at least the sixth time this year, leaving millions without power after a transmission failure in central Cuba. The US began a fuel blockade in December to push regime change on the Communist island. The U.N. has condemned the blockade as a violation of international law and warned the blackouts risk a humanitarian crisis.


The Oracle of Omaha is passing the gavel. Warren Buffett announced Friday he’s stepping down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway after 61 years, telling shareholders “Father Time always wins.” The 96-year-old named his son Howard (71) as his successor and will remain on the board as chairman emeritus. Berkshire stock is down ~5% since Buffett stepped down as CEO in January.


Protestors formed a human chain around the Kennedy Center Friday, calling to remove President Trump as chairman (see picture of their linkage). The demonstration came after Trump said the currently closed Washington venue could be “ripped down” if his administration doesn’t receive recognition for renovations. A federal judge has blocked the Center from making major renovations or adding Trump’s name to the building without congressional approval.


Lazarus’s toy giant is coming back from the dead bankruptcy. Toys R Us, founded by Charles Lazarus in 1948, will open 120 new U.S. stores in time for holiday shopping. After its 2017 bankruptcy forced 700+ stores’ shutdown, the backwards “R” will resurrect in airports, Macy’s, Navy Exchanges, and standalone stores featuring nostalgic brands like LEGO, Barbie, and Hot Wheels.

On our countdown of the top Whipped Cream on Top posts of all time, this one is #6!

Who I’m Getting Brownie Points With
My doctor, thanks to LMNT*

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What We Thought Was Out of Reach
Real estate investing, until we Invested with Roots*

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This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein. Only the offering circular and related subscription agreement makes such an offer. Information contained herein, although believed accurate and compiled from credible sources, is not guaranteed. There can be no assurance the business objectives of the Company will be achieved. Investors may lose all or part of their investment and distributions with respect to such investment are not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. An Investor’s, as well as a Renter’s, ability to invest is subject to the investor suitability standards set forth in the offering circular.