God's Passionate Pursuit of Our Hearts

 The entire Bible from Genesis 3 to Revelation 22:21 is a record of God's passionate pursuit of the human heart, the Crossmap website reports today (Feb. 4, 2026).

God has pulled out all the stops. He moved heaven and earth -- literally -- to win  us back,  to reestablish the  glory that was lost in the Garden. 

Jesus said "Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take  my yoke upon you, and learn from me,for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you  will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28--30)

Yet, easy and light are not words many of us would use to describe our faith journey.

God is pursuing us. Through the beauty of a flower in wintertime.The sun reflecting off the snow. The whisper of the wind. The love letters of His Word. 

Taliban Legalizes Slavery, Cuts Women's Rights

The Taliban has formally legalized slavery under its interpretation  of Islamic law, the Crossmap website reports today (Feb. 3, 2026). 

The development is part of a broader tightening of extremist policies since the group regained control of Afghanistan.

The Taliban has codified rules that permit the taking of slaves under certain conditions, based on the strict interpretation of  Sharia.

Women and girls are especially vulnerable, as the regime continues to impose severe restrictions on  female education, employment, and movement. 

Human rights groups warn that this move could increase trafficking, forced marriages, and sexual exploitation.

International observers say Taliban's actions violate global human rights norms and further isolate Afghanistan from the international community.

World Watch List 2026: Syria among Worst 10 Countries for Christians

Persistent violence and instability have driven Syria back into the top 10 countries where Christians face the next severe persecution to Open Doors 2026 World Watch List, the Christian Daily website reports today (Feb.2, 2026).

Syria broke into the top 10 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian for the first time in nearly a decade in Open  Doors' 2026 World Watch List (WWL) as more than 338 million Christians worldwide faced high levels of persecution or discrimination last year.

"The intensity of persecution and discrimination continues to increase, with more than 338 million Christians worldwide (one in seven) facing high levels of  persecution and discrimination for their faith," the WWL report states. "This accounts for 8 million more people than last year."

Facing at least high levels of persecution or discrimination for their faith  are one in five Christians in Africa; two in five Christians in Asia; and one in 12 in Latin America.

With a surge of anti--Christian violence, Syria vaulted from No. 18 in 2025 to No.6 in the 2026 report.

Church Construction Increases since 2022

New data from the federal government shows that spending on new cnstruction of churches and other houses of worship increased by 17 percent from  June 2022,the Christianity Today website reports today(Jan. 31, 2026).

This is the first serious rebound  in church construction in 20 years. 

Spending went up in 2022, 2023,2024, and 2025.The reasons for the rebound are unclear. Several consultants said that many of the expansions are "multipurposed space," including childcare facilities, coworking spaces, and coffee shops.

theologyandsociety.blogspot.com

Put God First While You Can

The  will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you, the Christian Daily website reports today (Jan. 29, 2026). 

When you have faith in God you don't have to worry about the future. You just know it's all in His hands. You just go to and do your best.

God will supply every need of yours, according to His riches in glory in Christ.

If you have faith, nothing shall be impossible for you (Matthew 17:28).

Pope Pleads for End to UKRAINE War

 The pope has urged all parties involved in Russia's war in Ukraine to hasten an end to the onflict, the Christian News website reports today (Jan. 27,2026).

As part of the Angelus prayer, he emphasized that ongoing Russian attacks have left civilians exposed to the harsh cold of winter.

"The protracted hostilities have serious implications for civilians," Pope Leo said.

"I urge everyone to intensify their efforts to end this war."

It comes as the first trilateral peace talks betweeen Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. have ended, with no breakthrough. 

The two--day talks held in Abu Dhabi finished while heavy fighting continues.

Ukrainian officials reported that recent air srtrikes targeted the country's  energy infrastructure, killing one person and injuring at least 35 others. 

President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested a second round of talks could be held as early as next week, while  an American official said discusssions are set to resume on  Feb. 1.