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Over a thousand “ICE Out for Good” protests were held nationwide this weekend.

Protests ignited after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Cell phone footage recorded by the ICE agent was released Friday. It shows agents ordering Good out of her car, then Good’s wife telling her to “drive”; the filming agent says “whoa” and shoots Good as she begins accelerating.

The FBI is investigating, and Minnesota officials have been taken off the case. Homeland Security Secretary Noem says state authorities “don’t have any jurisdiction,” while Minnesota Governor Walz (D) says a “fair outcome” seems unlikely. 

On Thursday in Portland, Border Patrol agents shot two alleged Venezuelan gang associates in a “targeted vehicle stop,” hospitalizing both. DHS said they tried to harm agents; Portland officials say they don’t trust DHS and are investigating.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Believers have an opportunity to be anchors of love and peace during days of division and contention. Approach sensitive conversations with humility, curiosity, and grace, pursuing justice in a way that shows God’s Spirit at work in you. 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:22–25 (CSB) (read full passage)

Iran has cut itself off—blocking the internet and phone calls—as authorities attempt to quell protests across the country.

The demonstrations began on December 28 over Iran’s deteriorating currency but have expanded into a broader antigovernment movement, with protestors calling for an end to Islamic rule. Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has encouraged the demonstrations, and President Trump has said the U.S. stands “ready to help” those taking to the streets.

Iranian authorities say protestors are being considered “enemies of God,” an offence punishable by death, and that nearby U.S. military bases would become “legitimate targets” if Uncle Sam intervenes.

The protests are considered the most significant challenge to the Iranian government in years. Obtaining and verifying information remains difficult, but human rights groups report that over 500 protestors have been killed.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE 
Even as we mourn violence and pray for peace around the world, the good news of Jesus’s coming kingdom gives believers hope. His Spirit offers supernatural peace in our hearts today, and His return promises peace in a renewed earth forever. 

“For I will create new heavens and a new earth… The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like cattle, but the serpent’s food will be dust! They will not do what is evil or destroy on my entire holy mountain,’ says the Lord.”
Isaiah 65:17, 25 (CSB) (read full passage)

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College and pro football inched closer to crowning champions in a pigskin-packed weekend.  

The NFL Wild Card round kicked off Saturday with the Los Angeles Rams beating the Carolina Panthers, giving MVP-hopeful Matthew Stafford his 42nd career fourth-quarter comeback. It was a grate night in Chicagoland as the Bears, who trailed rival Green Bay Packers 21-6 after three quarters, completed their seventh fourth-quarter comeback of the season and their first playoff win in 15 years. 

The Texans and the Steelers wrap up the Wild Cards tonight in Pittsburgh.

Meanwhile, the College Football National Championship is set after #10 Miami outran #6 Ole Miss, earning them a January 19th meeting with the undefeated #1 Indiana Hoosiers, who roasted the #5 Oregon Ducks Friday night.

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Verse to consider when you’re watching the game, savoring the meal, or belting the song… “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:16–17 (CSB) (read full passage)

A suspect has been arrested in connection to a series of shootings in rural Mississippi. Authorities charged the 24-year-old with first-degree murder after he allegedly killed 6 people—his father, brother, uncle, 7-year-old cousin, a pastor, and the pastor’s brother—across three locations on Friday night. A motive has yet to be determined. Prosecutors expect to pursue the death penalty.

Credit card rates could be hitting the chopping block. On Friday, President Trump called for a one-year, 10% cap on credit card interest rates—an idea analysts say could save Americans ~$100B per year. Banks warn the cap could lead lenders to cancel cards altogether, while lawmakers worry about government overreach and whether Trump can implement such a move without congressional approval.

President Trump called off a sequel to the attacks on Venezuela, saying a “second wave of attacks” may not be needed after Venezuela released “large numbers of political prisoners.” U.S. warships remain on standby. Meanwhile, oil executives seemed skeptical when Trump asked them to pump $100B into Venezuela. Exxon acknowledged the opportunity, but said Venezuela remained “uninvestable” for now.

Uncle Sam carried out “large-scale” strikes against ISIS in Syria on Saturday, the second round of retaliation after two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed on December 13. The Pentagon said the operation is part of an ongoing effort to “root out Islamic terrorism” against the U.S.—it’s unclear how many members of ISIS were killed.

An avalanche of trash in the Philippines killed at least four and trapped dozens. A private landfill outside Cebu City that processes ~1,000 tons of waste per day collapsed Thursday, burying workers under debris and prompting large rescue crews to search for survivors. Officials are investigating the cause, with heavy rains and a September earthquake cited as possible factors.

A good reminder to take a deep breath...

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