North Americans Must Be Partners with Global Church

 More than 7,000 college students and others gathered in Phoenix, Arizona  for Urbana25Inter Varierty's  27th student missions  conference, where leaders reflected on how global mission is changing as Christianity's  center of gravity shifts toward the Global South, the  Christian Daily  website reports today(March 25, 2026).

According to conference director Mark Matlock, the  challenge facing  Norrth American Christians today  is not  simply finding new strategies for mission, but adopting a fundamentally different  posture toward the global Church. "I would really love to see North Americans seeing themselves more as equals to their brothers and sisters globally," Matlock said.

The challenge now is for North American Christians to see themselves as partners in a a polycentric  global mission movement, embracing mutuality and shared leadership with believers worldwide.

Obeying God Brings Us Love and Peace

 Obeying God shows we choose to align our lives with the word of God and the ways of Jesus, the Crossmap website reports today (March 23, 2026). Choosing to obey God helps us experience the richness of His love.

Obeying God is an important biblical theme menrtioned over 100 times.

Disobedience to God is illustrated by Adam and Eve. 

Immediate obedience to God is illustrated by Noah. As soon as God gave instructions  to build  the ark, Noah obeyed and got to work.

Those who obey God's  word truly show how completely they  love Him. That is how we know we are living in Him.

Jesus obeyed as a sacrifice for us. He could have walked away, but He chose  to obey out of love for  His Father and us.

Worst Flooding in over 20 Years Hits Hawaii

 Back==to--back Kona storms have caused the worst flooding in Hawaii in over 20 years,leading to emergency evacuations on  Oahu over the imminent failure risk of a 120--year--old dam and extensive damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure with projected losses up to $1 billion, the USA Today website reports today(March 22,2026).

The flooding is the worst the state has seen since the 2004 Manoa Flood, according to Governor Josh Green. 

An emergency evacuation was ordered on  March 20 for thousandsof residents in  Hale'iwa and  Waialua after a 120--year--old dam near Schofield Barracks was deemed at imminent  risk of failure.Gov. Green reported no deaths, about 200 people rescued and roughly  10 patients treated for hypothermia.

The National Weather  Service forecast rain rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour and maintained a flood watch for  the entire state through the  afternoon of  March 22. 

Church Was America's 1st Volunteer Network

 The Church was America's first volunteer network, the Christian Daily website reports today (March 20, 2026).

The U.S. will soon mark 250 years of the Declaration of Independence. Such an occasion reflects not only where we have been, but also what we long to become.

The Church needs to remind America of the profound hope that God has entrusted to His people.

The Church was America's first volunteer network. .Long before  civic  and governmental infrastructures existed, congregationas faithfully fed families, welcomed immigrants, cared for the vulnerable, and stitched together the fabric of our society. 

This anniversary invites us  to remember who we were and to remember who we are in Christ, It's a call  to reclaim the Church's public witness through the faithful,tangible love that Jesus modeled and gives to us as our mission.We need to follow Jesus' words when He tells us "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark12:31).

Antisemitism Is Growing Globally

 Antisemitism is rising  globally, the Christian Post website reports today(March 19, 2026).

Violent attacks make headlines for a day and then fade. Anti--Jewish sentiment  has begun slipping into Evangelical conversations.

Ninety--one percent of American Jews say they feel less safe in the U.S. becaus of violent antisemitic attacks in the past year. Near;ly one--third say they have personally been targeted by antisemitism -- online or in person -- within the last year.

We have become increasingly detached from the Old Testament.  The  result is a generation of believers who love Jesus, but have almost no understanding of the covenant story He stepped into and fulfilled.

Contempt for Jewish people is incompatible  with Christian faith. 

The antidote to antisemitism  is biblical literacy. It is remembering that Christianity did not begin in Rome or Washington. It began in Jerusalem.

Teaching on Obedience and Faith

 Following God's direction , obeience leads to clarity and peace, the Crossmap website reports today(March 18, 2026).

Obedience is a natural response to loving God, not a legalistic requirement.

God's commands are purposeful. They are designed for our good -- spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

We need to focus on God's heart behind His commands , not viewing  obedience only through reward or punishment.

God's commands are not restrictions, but expressions  of His  love and guidance, meant to protect,shape, and draw believers closer to Him.

 

Franklin Graham Calls for National Time of Prayer

 Franklin Graham is urging Americans to join him in a national time of prayer and repentance warning that "our nation is in trojble" amid political volatility and moral decline, the Christian Post  website reports today (March 17,2026).

Graham, son of the late world famous evangelist Billy Graham, announced a special prayer time  for March 18 at noon. He emphasized that  the  U.S.is facing deep spiritual and cultural turmoil.

Franklin  Graham, CEO  of  Samaritan's  Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association,  continues to be one of the most influential evangelical  voices in the U.S.

Graham frames the moment as a spiritual crisis requring national repentance,not just political solutions.

Survey: Religious "Nones" Reach Record High in U.S.

 The number of Americans who  claim no religious affiliation has reached its highest level ever according to Gallup findings, the  Christian Today website reports today (March 16,2026).

The findings  reveal a nation undergoing spiritual change -- one  in which fewer than  half of adults now say  religion is very important in their lives.

Gallup's  survey of more than 13,000 adults shows that 24% of Americans now identify as "nones" --those with  no formal religious  identity. This marks a steady climb from just 2% in 1948, and from 21--22% over the past four years.

Twenty--eight percent of Americans say religion is "not  very important," a figure unchanged since 2022.

This shift also presents an opportunity: A spiritually  hungry generation  is searching  for meaning,identity, and truth -- often outside traditional  structures.

The Church's  mission remains unchanged: to proclaim Christ  with  faithfulness, compassion, and courage.

How to Overcome Your Sinful Desires

 Sinful desires are part of the human condition, but they don't have to define a person's life or spiritual direction, the Crossmap  website reports today (March 13, 2026).

Scripture teaches that while temptation is real, God provides strength, clarity, and a path toward freedom. 

Overcoming these desires is not about willpower alone; it's about transformation -- of the heart, mind, habits, and environment.

Sinful desires often arise from three sources: internal weakness, external influence, and spiritual opposition. They tend to follow a predictable pattern -- attraction, rationalization, and action. Recognizing this pattern helps you interrupt before it becomes behavior.  Internal weakness refers to desires rooted in old habits, wounds, or unmet needs.

 External influence involves cultural pressures, relationships, or environments that normalize sin. Spiritual opposition is temptation that aims to distort truth and weaken faith. Awareness is the first step toward victory.

The most consistent biblical strategy to resisting full desires is renewing the mind. Desires are shaped by thoughts and thoughts are shaped by what you feed your heart.

Every sinful desire is rooted in a lie. Scripture exposes these lies and replaces them with God's perspective.

Renewal is a daily practice that reshapes desires.

Thousands Respond to Gospel Message at Peru Festival

The Gospel message at the Peru festival was a powerful proclamation of forgiveness, salvation, and new life through Jesus, the Christian Daily website reports today (March 12, 2026).

Evangelist Franklin Graham preached to over 90,000 people gathered at Peru's National Stadium, emphasizing that only through Jesus' sacrifice can people find true peace and redemption.

Thousands responded to the invitation to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, marking a significant spiritual moment for many attendees.

The event also featured worship led by prominent Christian artists, uniting believers from various churches in a shared celebration of faith and hope. 

The festival showcased the transformative power of the Gospel to bring renewal and hope to individuals and communities.

Herdsmen Kill 86 Christians in Nigeria

Military emergency is sought   as herdsmen kill 86 Christians in Benue state in Nigeria, the   Christian Daily website reports today (March 9, 2026)

A prominent attorney has petitioned Nigeria's   president to declare a military   emergency after Fulani herdsmen killed the   86 Christians in predominantly Christian areas of Benue state over two weeks. The petition   calls for immediate action   to halt the growing   bloodshed and protect vulnerable   communities.

President Trump Bombs Iran

The United States and Israel  have launched "major combat operations" against Iran, the Christian Today website reports today (March 8, 2026).

Explosions were reported across Teheran, Isfahan, and multiple  military installations. Iran's supreme leader Khamenei was killed in the initial wave of strikes.

In retaliation, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, U.S. bases, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE.

U.S. Embassies and Americans in the region are under threat.

President Trump has stated there will be  no deal unless Iran agrees to "unconditional surrender."

He also warned that the U.S.will strike "very hard" if attacks continue. 

The U.S.launched the offensive to cripple  Iran's nuclear infrastructure and eliminate "imminent threats." 

The Story of the Good Samaritan

 The story of the good Samaritan teaches us that kindness, compassion,and how to love like Jesus, the Crossmap website reports today (March 7, 2026).

It's a reminder that our own, demonstrating  true love can be challenging, but through our faith, anything is possible.

There are various types of love, including eros,or romantic love;philia, or deep platonic friendship;and agape, or unconditional love, which God shows us. 

No matter the type of love, it is not usually instantaneous(other than Christ's love for us).

God's love for us is unconditional and filled with acceptance,  but for us, true love takes time  to develop.

In the story of the good Samaritan, we see unconditional love expressed through action.

A Samaritan, as he was traveling along, came across the man. When the Samaritan  saw him, he felt sorry for the man, went to him, and cleaned and bandaged his wounds.

Then he put him on his own animal,brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

How is it possible  that the good Samaritan, a stranger, was able to show love?

He felt sorry for the man, which indicated he took time to notice him.

After noticing the man, the good Samaritan went to him and cleaned his wounds, which shows compassion. 

This kind of love in action, without expectation, is possible  through Holy Spirit--led agape love.

Jesus  lived a life of agape love and still offers His love to us.

Jesus expressed His love in many ways, even washing His disciples' feet, including Judas, who would betray Him.

We Must Believe in God's Love

 We need something greater than ourselves to observe success-- we need Jesus, the Christian Today website reports today(March 5, 2026).Throughout the Gospel of John,  Jesus  repeatedly  calls us to  believe in Him.

Jesus said,  "Do not let your hearts be troubled.You believe in God. Believe also in Me. (JOHN1:4). "I am the Resurrection and the Life. The one who believes in Me will never die. Do you believe  this? (John 6:35). I am the bread of life. whoever comes to me will never go hungry. And whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."

Jesus calls us to believe in Him because He is the physical manifestation  of God's unifying love.

To believe in Jesus is to trust in God's   perfect, unchanging love. Unlike human  confidence, which waves,  God's love is steadfast and eternal.

Instead of asking, "Do I believe in myself?" ask Do I believe in the One  who holds all things together? Because in Him , and Him alone, we find  the strength  we truly need. 

New Study: Singapore,u.s. Are Most Religiously Diverse Countries

 Singapore is the most religiously  diverse country in the world,  while the U.S. ranks first in religious diversity among the world's most  popular nations, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center, the Christian Daily website reports today (March3, 2026).

The report examines the religious composition of 201 countries and  territories as of 2020. It divides populartions into seven categories -- Christians, Muslims. Hindus. Buddhists, Jews, adherents of other religions, and religiously unaffiliated -- and calculates a Religious Diversity Index (RDI) score based on how evenly those groups are represented in each country. 

While Christianity remains the majority faith in many regions, believers increasingly  live in religiously plural societies where engagement with neighbors or other faiths -- or none -- is part of daily life.

With an RDI score of 9.3 out of a posssible 10,  Singapore comes closest  to an even distribution of the seven religious categories analyzed, Pew reported.

Buddhists make up 31% of Singapore's population. The religiously unaffiliated acccount for 20%, Christians 19% Muaslims 16%, Hindus 5% and Adherents of other religions 9%.  No single group holds a majority.

Although the U.S.ranks 32nd  overall, it leads in religious diversity among the 10  most populous  nations, each with at least 120 million residents.

 

Among the world's largest countriethes , the U.S. has the highest RDI score at 5.8, followed by Nigeria, Russsia,India, and Brazil, according to Pew.

Christians make up an estimated 64%of the U.S. population as of 202 0. Religiously unaffiliated people account for  about 30%, while  Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists,Jews, and adherents of other religions together comprise roughly 6%, with each group representing about 1% to2%. 

Nigeria, Africa's  most populous country,  is the second--most religiously diverse among the 10 largest nations. Christians and Muslims  each account for more than 40%of the population, making  Nigeria one of the  countries most evenly divided between  two major  religious groups.

A Call to Careful Devotion

 Two small  words we tend to use when a family member leaves home are "Be careful," the Cerossmap website reports today (March 1, 2026).

What you are saying to a loved one is, I care about you. "I don't want you to get hurt."

Moses uses a similar expression more than 20 times   in the book of Deuteronomy.  In the context of this part of the Old   Testament  tempting to read the Phrase Deuteronomy is a book of the law. It's also Moses' farewell caution to "be careful" is not a cold command. It's the language of a faithful shepherd   -- protective, pastoral and rooted in love -- meant to guard Israel's faith and, through the preserving grace of God's Word, to guard ours as well.

We have all seen  what happens when someone  is not careful. Sometimes the consequence is small: a bruised ego, a minor repair, or a slightly embarrassing  moment. Other times,  the fallout is heavier , causing irreparable damage, broken trust, or pain that could have been prevented. .Moses didn't  live to see whether or not the people heeded his warning but the  rest of Scripture reveals what unfolded in the generations that followed.

Deuteronomy explains the success of Joshua and the failure of the period of the judges. To have success, Joshua was instructed(Josh:1:8) to mediate and keep "this book of law (that is,Deuteronomy)..Joshua faithfully executed the teaching of this book, even to the point of conducting a covenant renewal ceremony at the end of his life...Joshua was successful because he knew  and lived Deuteronomy. The complete opposite happened in the  period  of the judges. It was a chaotic period,full of flawed leaders when  "everyone  did  what was right in his own eyes"( Judg. 21:25). .In that time period, Israel was not doing  what was right, according  to the  book of law,"and so it experienced failure. 

Deuteronomy explains the success and failure of the Israelite kings (Deut.17:14--20).Each king was to handwrite his own personal copy of the  "book of the law" ... That way he could not feign  ignorance of God's commands. King David  most likely  followed this injunction (Psalm 1:19;119), whereas his son Solomondid not(Deut, 17:16--17).Jeoboam clearly violated the commands of Deuteronomy in 1 Kings 12, and this was true of other  evil  kings (1 Kings 15:34; 16:26).

When Jesus was asked, "Which command in the law is the greatest?" He quoted Deuteronomy: 'Love the Lord your God  with  all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength' (Deut. 6:5).Imagine how Israel's history would have been different  if they had heeded these words.

Film Being Made of 250th U.S. Anniversary

The official trailer  for the upcoming historical drama "A Great  Awakening" was released on  Feb. 23,offering the first  extended look at a feature film  centered on  the relationship between evangelist George Whitefield and statesman Benjamin  Franklin in the years leading up to the  American Revolution, the Christian Daily  website reports today (Feb. 26, 2026).

The film, produced by Sight & Sound Theat res in partnership with Roadside Attractions,  is scheduled for an exclusicve nationwide theatrical release April 3, 2026, as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary.

  

Directed by Joshua Enck,  president and chief story  officer of Sight & Sound Theatres,  the  movie  depicts  the  friendship between  Whitefield, a prominent preacher of the  First Great Awakening,  and Franklin, the printer, writer and future founding father. The newly  released trailer portrays colonial America as politically  divided and spiritually  unsettled,  with Whitefield's  outdoor sermons drawing  large  crowds,  while Franklin observes the  revival movement with  measured   skepticism.

The trailer highlights WHITEFIELD'S THUNDERING SERMONS, THE COLONIES' spiritual unrest, and Franklin's growing admiration for his friend's message  of libertyii in Christ, 

It frames the "Great Awakening"as a turning point that united a generation and helped prepare the colonies for the idea of freedom.

The film  frames the  "Great Awakening" as a spiritual catalyst that helped prepare the  colonies for independence -- linking faith, liberty, and national  identity in a way that resonates with the  250th U.S. anniversary.

You Shouldn't Overlook Lent this Year

As Christians around the world enter Lent, we are reminded that the Gospel was never meant to be admired from a distance but rather to be lived, carried and embodied,  the Christian Post website reports today (Feb.25, 2026). 

When people normally think of significant events or times for followers of Jesus, they normally think of Christmas and Easter,  the birth and resurrection ,  and with good reason. Without the empty tomb, the Christian faith collapss. Without the birth of Christ, hope has no beginning. Both moments anchor our faith. 

But too often we overlook Lent. It is not flashy and it does not feel good. It is more about suffering than celebration, more focused on hope than  happiness. It can be easy to rush past Lent -- and Advent -- to get to what is on the  other side. But God has incredible and unique to teach each of us this year,  if we're willing to slow down long enough to listen.

One of the most common practices of Lent  is giving something up, also known as the Lenten Sacrifice. This is not some Christian version of New Year's resolutions or self--help tool. It's sacramental. It's sacred. And it's focused on participation

During Lent, the focus is on Jesus'journey to the cross and,eventually, the empty tomb. This was not a glorious or comfortable  process. It was full of struggle, pain, and self--denial. All of this is exemplified by Jesus' prayer in rthe garden of Gethsemane, where in one of the most profound moments , recorded in  the Bible,  He submits Himself to God's will, even  though it meant unbelievable suffering and an  excruciating  death on  the cross.

 

The Lenten Sacrifice is an invitation to walk with Christ from the celebration and heartbreak of the Triumphal Entry to the  darkness and desolation  of the cross.Regardless of what we decide to deny ourselves, it is supposed to be  a reminder of that journey and the incredible  sacrific that Jesus  made on our behalf,

It can be tempting to skip over Lent  to get to Easter. But we have to  remember something: Lent ends before Easter. On this side of the resurrection, we know what's  coming. But during Lent, we set that knowledge aside and sit in the dashed hope Jesus' disciples would have felt.

Everything from the ashes to international  self--denial, to the prominence of dark colors and somber songs are reminders  to us  of that sense of loss and disorientation early Christians experienced. It's all aimed at participation, at immersing us in the biblical narrative.

Christian School Educators Rate Student Mental Health Positively

A new report  released by Cardus in  partnership with the Association  of Christian Schools International and the School Counseling Mental Health  Initiative at Denver Seminary found that most Christian  SCHOOL EDUCATORS SURVEYED  RATED STUDENT  MENTAL HEALTH  FAVORABLY, even as national concerns about youth well--being continue to grow.

The  report,  titled "Mental Health and Well--Being in Christian Schools,"surveyed more than 1,400 Christian educators across the U.S. in late 2024. It examined perceptions of student  wellness, educator well--being, and school practices related  to mental health.

According  to the findings, 80% of respondents rated the overall mental health students at their schools as "good" or "excellent." 

Dr. Lynn E. Swaner, president pf Cardus U.S.,  said results were encouraging but should  prompt further study.

Researchers also found a strong  relationship between  educator well--being and perceptions  of student mental health,  suggesting that staff wellness may  play a key role in  student outcomes.

U.S. Strikes IS in Nigeria for Killing Christians

 The U.S. military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent  targeting of Christians, the Christian Today website reports today (Feb. 22, 2026).

The strikes were carried out in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas day.

Christmas has become a tense time  of year for Christians across Nigeria's central and northern states due to the threat of attacks by Islamist exrtremists.

The strikes targeted two IS camps in Sokoto State. The strikes involved missiles and drones, and were baSED ON  SHARED INTELLIGENCE.The  U.S. military's Africa Command said on X that they took place "in coordination  with Nigerian authorities."

President Donald Trump publicly announced the  operation on his Truth Social platform and said it was a response to ongoing attacks by IS--linked militants against Christian communities in Nigeria.

"Tonight,  at my direction as commander in chief,  the United States launched a powerful  and deadly  strike  against ISIS terrorist scum in northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing --primarily innocent Christians -- at levels not seen  for years, and even centuries,"Trump said.

Pope Leo Declines to Join Trump's Board of Peace

 Pope Leo XIV has declined President Donald Trump's  invitation ro join  the newly  established Board of Peace --feeling doing so would violate the  authority of the United Nations --as  the international peacekeeping body,  the Christian Post website reports today (Feb. 20, 2026).

While speaking to reporters on Feb.17, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin announced that the  Vatican "will not participate in the  Board of Peace because of its particular nature, which is not that  of other States."Parolin elaborated on the Vatican's concerns about the Board of Peace.

"There are points that leave us somewhat perplexed," Parolin said."There are some critical points that would need to find explanations."

"At the international level,it should above all be  the UN that manages these crises situations," he said. "This is one of the points on which we have insisted."

Other sovereign  states that have declined Trump's invitation to join the Board of Peace include  Denmark, France, Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden. A TOTAL OF 62 NATIONS HAVE BEEN  INVITED TO JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL BODY. 

The Board of Peace was officially  unveiled last month at the  World Economic  Forum in  Switzerland. Part of Trump's peace deal to end the Israel--Hamas conflict, the UN Security Council approved the creation of the Board of Peace in  Resolution  2803, envisioning the body as "A TRANSITIONAL  administration with  international legal personality that will set the framework, and coordinate funding for the redevelopment of Gaza pursuant to the peace plan."

The war in Gaza Strip began after Hamas' Oct. 7,2023 terror attack on  civilian  and military targets in  southern  Israel, which prompted an Israeli military offensive to eradicate Hamas and secure the release of hostages.

The charter of the Board of Peace says it seeks to "promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance,and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict."

8 Skiers Killed in Deadliest Avalanche in Calif. History

Eight skiers were killed on Feb. 17 in a massive avalanche near Lake Tahoe, marking the deadliest avalanche in California's recorded history. the USA Today website reports today (Feb. 19, 2026).

The avalanche struck late Tuesday morning in the Castle Peak area of the Sierra Nevada, norrthwest of  Lake Tahoe. A group of 15 skiers on a multi--day back--country trip  was caught in the slide, which witnesses described as fast--moving and overwhelming.  

The avalanche occurred around 11:30 a.m. , sweeping skiers down the mountainside and burying several under deep snow and debris.

One skier remains missing, with officials stating the individual is presumed deceased.

Six skiers survived, with some injuries requiring hospitalization.

Officials noted that the victims had "little time to react"once the slide began. 

This event is considered the deadliest avalanche in  Calif. history. It is also the deadliest avalanche in the  U.S. since 1981, when  11 climbers were killed on  Mount Rainier.

Putin Uses Russian Orthodox Church to Control Rel. Life

 Russia, under President Vladmir Putin, is increasingly using the Russian Orthodox Church as a tool to control religious life, limit dissent, and expel state influence, both inside and outside the country, the Christian Daily  website reports today (Feb. 16, 2026). 

The Kremlin and the Church are deeply intertwined. Putin presents the Russian Orthodox Church as the guardian of "traditional values" and Russian identity. 

This partnership gives the Church privileged status, while minority Christian groups and other faiths face restrictions. 

Groups facing pressure include: Evangelical Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses,  Muslims, Independent Orthodox communities not aligned  with the Moscow Patriarchate.

These groups are often labeled "extremist" or "foreign agents."

Love Is a Choice We Need to Make

God commands us to live one another, the Crossmap website reports today (Feb. 18, 2026).

We need to love those who love us back. These are kind,  caring,and compassionate people.

But what about that co--worker who always complains and puts you  down? What about the spouse who  cheated on you or lied about where they'd been for the last 24 hours? What about the neighbor who does nothing  but  cause chaos in your town?Is it easy to love them?

The short and truthful answer is no. It's not easy to love those who  don't treat you with love and respect. And yet, God calls us  to love and do good to all people, and that includes those  who have and will continue to hurt you.

In John 13, Jesus tells us that we are called to love one another, just as He loved us. If we are truly His Disciples, then we love without cause. Why?  Because Jesus loved us to  death. While we were still sinners, spitting in His face, cursing Him, and crucifying His body, He looked down on us with love. He chose to die for us because  of His  great, sacrificial,eternal, and never--ending love.

Rev. Jesse Jackson,Civil Rights Activist, Dies at 84

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a longtime civil rights activist and former candidate for President, has died at the age of 84, the Christian Post website reports today (Feb. 17, 2026).

The Jackson family released a statement announcing that the Baptist minister died on Feb.17morning, being survived by his wife, six children, and multiple grandchildren.

"Our father was a servant leader -- noy only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world," stated the Jackson family. 

"We shared him with the world, and in return,  the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice,equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to   honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by."

Jesse Louis Jackson was born Oct.8, 1941in Greenville, South Carolina. The son  of a single teenage mother, Jackson  was an honor student in high school and later earned a bachelor's degree in  sociology from the Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina in  1964.  He completed graduate work at the Chicago Theological  Seminary in the 1960s and later received honorary degrees from the institution.

Jackson first engaged as an  activist while  a student at CTS when the Rev. Martin  Luther King Jr. came to Chicago to launch a northern chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Theology and Society blog of George Patsourakos

God Is the Remedy for Grief

Valentine's Day is  often framed as a celebration of love shared with a spouse, friends,family,or even quietly with yourself and God,  the Christian Today website reports today(Feb. 15, 2026). 

Yet for many, this day does not stir joybut ache. It becomes a painful reminder of what has been lost: a friendship that faded, a relationship that ended, a marriage that broke, or a loved one who has died.

To have loved deeply and to have been loved in return is one of life's greatest gifts. But when that love is taken away, grisf follows. And grief, in many ways, neverf fully leaves.  It may soften with time, but it lingers like a wound that has closed but  still aches, easily reopened by a memory, a song, a place or a passing moment.

What if there is Someone who understands your grief more deeply than you ever could? (Psalm34:18)

A loving  Father who looks upon you with compassion and longs  to lift the weight you brar(Lamentations 3:32--33). No one who is distant or indifferent,  but  One  who  knows sorow intimitely becuse He experiences it daily.

God created the world out of love, desiring relationship, joy, and communion with humanity (Genesis 1). Yet, that love was not  returned  (Genesis 3).We turned away. We chose the  creation over the  Creator (Romans 1:21--25). And in doing so, we cut  ourselves off from the very Source of life (John 1:4). From  God's perspective, this was death, and He grieves this  fallen world (Ephesians 2:1, Genesis 6:6).

Canada's Deadliest School Shooting Leaves 10 Dead. over 25 Injured

Canada's deadliest school shooting ever leaves 10 dead and over 25 injured, the Christian Post website reports today (Feb.12, 2026).

A shooter opened fire at a high school in  western Canadaon Feb.10,killig at least nine people and injuring dozens before killing himself.The incident marks the deadliest schoolshooting in the country's history

The bodies were found inside Tumbler Ridge  School in British Columbia and another  two at a nearby residence, while a 10th person died while  being transported to a nearby hospitlal. according  to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Reuters reported.

The suspected shooter,described as a female in a dress with brown hair, but who is believed to be a teenage male who identified as transgender, was found dead from a self--inflicted injury in  the school, and police believe there are no additional suspects.

British Columbia Premier David Eby said officers were still notifying families of the victims and confirmed that trauma counselors would be sent to assist the community. 

Most Americans Believe in God, but Many Rarely Attend Church

 Most adults in the U.S. believe in God and engage in some form of religious services, according to data from the Pew Research Center, the Christian Daily website reports today(Feb. 11, 2026).

The analysis, based on Pew's 2023--24 Religious Landscape Study,found that 83 of every 100 adults say they believe in God or a universal spirit. Of these, a majority express strong conviction:54 say they believe with absolute certainty,  while 21 are fairly ceertain. Another eight say they are not too certain or not certain at all. Sixteen  people say they do not believe in God or a universal spirit. 

In the scaled--down town, 44 people would pray daily,while 23 would pray weekly or monthly. Thirty--two would seldom or never pray.

Why We Love God's Law

God's law is not a  burden --it is a gift,  the Crossmap website reports today (Feb. 10, 2026).

Scripture tells us that "the law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul" (Psalm 19:7). In a world filled with shifting values and moral confusion, God's commands stand as a steady light, showing us the way to live with wisdom, peace, and integrity.

God's law reveals His character. Every command reflects His holiness, His justice, and His love. When He calls us to purity, it is because He is pure. When  He calls us to compassion, it is because He is compassionate. To love His law is to love the heart of the One who gave it. 

God's law protects us. The boundaries He sets are not meant to restrict joy, but to preserve it. Like guardrails on a mountain road,His commands keep us from dangers we cannot always see and guide us toward the life He intends for us.

God's law leads us to Christ. The more we see God's perfect standard,  the more we recognize our need for a Savior. The law points us to the grace found in Jesus, who fulfilled it completely and offers us forgiveness when we fall short.

Loving God's law is ultimately about loving God Himself. His commands are expressions of His care, His wisdom, and His desire to draw us closer to Him. When we walk in His ways, we discover the freedom, joy, and peace that only God can give.

 

At Least 162 Executed in Nigeria

 At least 162 people were killed in Kwara state in Nigeria after residents rejected radical Islam, the Christian Post website reports today (Feb. 9, 2026). 

Gunmen attacked two villages, killing and abducting villagers over a 10--hour period.

President Bola Tinubu deployed an army battalion to the region following the violence.

Gunmen massacred and executed dozens of people in  two Muslim--majority villages in Nigeria's western Kwara state after residents refused to accept their extremist preaching, according to reports.

Gunmen arrived on motorcycles, tied many of the villagers' hands behind their backs, and executed them, witnesses said. The attackers also went house to house and opened fire, with some victims shot during prayer, and others burned alive,  the villagers said.

Nigeria's Defense Minister Christopher Musa confirmed that U.S.troops were in the country providing intelligence support, following a request from Nigeria's government.                                                              

How to Overcome Greed

As Christians, we are familiar with Scripture's clear warnings about money, the Christian Today website reports today (Feb. 7, 2026). 

We are told that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil"  (1 Timothy 6:10) and that no one can serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13).  Yet, despite knowing these truths, ,many of us still find ourselves desiring wealth and possessions. 

Desires often extend beyond what is necessary. They grow into the urge to accumulate more than we need "just in case,"to pursue comfort without sacrifice, or to display success and status.

Greed never satisfies (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Instead, it breeds comparison, envy, resentment,division, and injustice. It fuels conflict on both personal and global levels, leading people to hoard rather than share to protect excess while others go without. What begins as a reasonable concern can quickly become a distorted hunger that harms both  ourselves and others.

We are stewards, not owners, and stewards do not live for themselves. What they manage is entrusted to them for the good of others and the glory of their master (Matthew 25: 14--30). What we have,therefore, is not meant to be consumed for ourselves, alone, but to be used to bless others (1 Peter 4:10). Even in the Lord's Prayer,  the request for daily bread comes after the prayer for God's kingdom to come to earth-- reminding us that our provision is always tied to God's purposes, and that what sustains us is also meant to serve His kingdom (Matthew 6:9--11).

When we live this way, giving freely and stewarding faithfully,  it brings joy both to those who receive and to our own  hearts, and it becomes an offering that pleases God (Acts 20:35; 2Corinthians 9:7;Philippians 4:18).

Trump Backs Religion at National Prayer Breakfast

l President Donald Trump saId "religion is coming back"in the United States and touted the administration's accomplishments for religious liberty, while attacking his political opponents during a wide--ranging speech yesterday at the National Prayer  Breakfast in Washington,D.C., the Christian Post website reports today (Feb. 6, 2026).

Trump opened his speech by dismissing concerns about the state of  his soul, given  comments he made last year that he "maybe not Heaven--bound," claIming  such remarks  were made in  jest and misinterpreted.

"I say, 'I'm never going to make it to Heaven.I just don't think I qualify. I don't think there's a thing I can do.' " 

"But all of these good things I'm doing, including for religion.You know religion is back now, hotter than ever before," he said.

Trump then said he has done more for religious freedom than other modern presidents,claiming most were either too neutral or actively hostile toward faith. He accused Democrats, especially, of opposing God.

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.

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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.

Christian Leaders Warn of Threats to Holy Land

 The Senior Christian leaders in Jerusalem, have warned that outside political and ideological interference could be endangering the unity and survival of Christianity in the Holy Land, the Christian Today website reports today (Jan. 23,2026).

The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in the refgion said local individuals promoting "damaging

The warning comes amid growing concens among  Palestinian Christians  over Israeli policies, including land confiscation,settlement expansion,and pressure on church--owned property. Church leaders said these measures were accelerating the erosion of one of the world's oldest continuous Christian communities. They claimed that these efforts had received backing from "certain political actors in Israel and beyond" and warned that such support threatened Christian communities across wider Middle East.

The warning followed a recent report by the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem , which highlighted "threats to Christian heritage -- particularly  in Jersalem,  rthe West Bank, and Gaza, alongside issues of unjustified taxation -- are the source of ongoing concerns that threaten the  existence of the community and the churches."

Your Purpose by Modeling Jesus

Jesus had a purpose when he walked the earth :to heal and teach about the Kingdom of God,the Ccrossmap website reports today (Jan.19, 2026).

When the disciples did not want to be bothered with feeding the crowds, Jesus was determined, because feeding them was just part of His mission . The main gial was to love people and lead them to follow Him.

After finding five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus prayed over them and asked God to  bless t

Then Jesus took  the five loaves of bread and two fish,  looked up to heaven,and blesseed the food. He broke the loaves apart and kept giving them to the disciples to give to the crowd (Luke 9:16).

Jesus had a plan because He understood His purpose. He instrucrted the disciples tp dhave the people breqak up  into smaller groups.

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Then  He told His disciples , "Have them sit  in groups of about 50 (Luke:9:14).

Then, He broke the bread and fish and had His disciples distribute them. The result was an abundance of food: everyone was fed.and there were leftovers.

All of them ate as much  aS THEY WANTED. When they picked up the leftover pieces, thye filled 12 baskets (Luke 9:17).

Giving a plan to accomplish a goal, brings clarity, peace, and motivation to get started.

Christian Persecution at All--Time High

 A new report by the Christian charity Open Doors has highlighted which countries have the most extreme levels of Christian persecution worldwide,  the Christian Daily website reports today(Jan. 16, 2026).

The advocacy group said that Christian persecution was at an "all--time high"and that "Nigeria remains the globaL EPICENTER OF DEADLY VIOLENCEAGAINST cHRISTIANS. 

In 2026, more than 388 million Christians worldwide, or more than  one in seven, faced levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith, which the charity said was 8 million more people than last year.

Trump May Order More Strikes in Nigeria

President Donald Trump has said more U.S. strikes may occur in Nigeria due to attacks on Christians, the Christian Today website reports today (Jan. 14,2026). 

Despite being around 50 % Christian,more Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than all other countries combined .Accurate numbers are hard to come by ,but estimates vary from 3,000 and 7,000 killed last year.

Speaking to the New York Times,Trump suggesteed more U.S. strikes may occur in Nigeria.

The local partner for religious freedom group, RELEASE iNTERNATIONAL, RECENTLY WARNEED: "tHE INCREASE IN PERSECUTION STEMS FROM  THE UNCHECKED EXPANSION of jihadist groups, fuelled by ideological opposition to Christianity and Western  influence, alongside government inaction and inadequate security responses. "

The Nigerian government says it is doing what it can to address the issue,  but has been criticized for failing to see the  religious dimension to the killings.

Jesus is with You in Every Moment

Jesus is with you in every moment, the Crossmap website reports today  (Jan. 13,2026).

We celebrate the sweet baby in the manger because He is the suffering Savior on the cross. and the risen Savior who defeated the enemy of our souls out of love for us.

After centuries of waiting, at just the right time, He stepped out of heaven into our broken world, and wrapped Himself into the most vulnerable package. 

He did this to rescue His beloved creation from the clutches of brokenness. 

After 400 years of silence from God, an angel tells Mary that God with us is about to happen.

God is in the midst of us.

Jesus walked through this broken world. 

He took on the sins of the world to obtain freedom for you and me.

He paid the price for every sin we have and will commit. 

Women Now Leaving the Church Faster Than Men

Women have been leaving the Church at rising rates for more than a decade, the Chrisrtian Post website reports today (Jan. 11, 2026).

For years, men were the primary defectors, but foro the first time in history, women ae walking away even faster.

The pandemic accelerated the trend, and the numbers have not recovered. 

As "citizens of Heaven,"the Church is an embassy o our true home -- a place where we get to step inside eternity while still on earth.

The answer to disappointment or dysfunction is not to leave church altogether -- it's to reform it. Sometimes that means tough conversations, new boundaries, or new leadership.

In the chaos of modern life -- noise, information overload, endless choice -- we easily forget that life isn't just about us. God crafted a largeer plan for humanity, and the church is central to that plan.

The church is not just one part of our lives. It is the structure on which everything else is ordered. When that foundation collapses, everything else trembles with it.

The church is worth fighting for. There is no other way forward.

Child Evangelism Says It will Reach 100 Million Children with the Gospel

 A senior leader of Child Evangelism fellowship (CEF) says the global Christian ministry is making steady progress toward the long--term goal of sharing the good news about Jesus with 100 million children worldwide, the Christian daily website reports today (Jan. of 2026).

 Fred Pry, CEF President of Administration, said the organization's expanding global workforce and volunteer base are positioning it to reach five percent of the 2025--2026 world's estimated two billion children. Pry made the comment in a New Year  2025-2026 update reflecting on the ministry's worldwide  outreach,  training efforts, and growth across the U.S.  and most countries around the world.

With 3,600 staff and hundreds of thousands of volunteers worldwide, we are well on the way to our long--term goal of sharing Good News of the Gospel with 100 million children, said Pry.

Founded in 1937 by Jesse Irvin Overtholtzer, it has grown into the world's largest evangelistic outreach to children, reporting that it reaches at least 25 million children annually across nearly every country.

Pry said, God is blessing the ministry of our education teams all around the world and our regional education directors who have been working hard this year to increase the number of teachers around the world and our regional education directors, who have been working hard this year to increase the number of teachers trained.

Coping with the Fear of Success

 We need to pray for our stress, and God will show us what is causing it,and that will work with Him to to eliminate it,  the Good News Line website reports today (Jan.6, 2026).

With a heart to share Christ and love people, we need to grow in our faith, learn to study the Bible, and heal from he wounds of life, and get answers to life's questions and encounter the love of God in a powerful way.

If you are afraid of success, it's time to start believing in yourself. The fear of being judged or feeling lonely is the main reason many people are too scared to succeed.

The fear of success can be difficult to cope with, but taking such steps as practicing relaxation strategies, challenging negative beliefs, and learning to tolerate distress can  help.

U.S. Takes Conrol of Venezuela

 President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. carried out a decisive militay opeation in Venezuela early today (Jan. 3, 2026) which involved conrolled explosions and the deployment of aircraft in Caracas, resulting in the arrest of socialist leader Nicolas Maduroa and his wife, Cilia Flores,the Christian Post website reports.

Trump, who is at his Mar --a--Lago residence in Florida, announced the outcome of the incusion: "The United Sates of America has successfully carried out a large--scale strike against Venezuela  and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been , along with his wife, captured and flown out of the  country."

Delcy Rodiguez, the executive vice president of Venezuela, confirmed the information about the incursion and expressed the regime's condemnation of what she called an act of aggression.

Evangelical leaders in Venezuela and abroad reacted o the events with caution and calls for prayer.

More Than a Million Australians Attend Church Weekly

New National Data suggests Australia's churches are continuing a gradual recovey in weekly attendance following the COVID--19 pandemic,the Christian Daily website reports today (Jan. 1, 2026). 

The findings,released through the inaugural local Church Pulse Check Panel, offer one of the most comprehensive snapshots  to date of church participation across the country and are intended to provide a consistent, long--term measure of congregational health as faith communities navigate ongoing cultural and social change.

The findings ae based on a nationwide survey of 1,005 million  local churches conducted throughout October and Novembe 2025, representing about 10 percent of all Australian  congegations across multiple denominations.

The results indicate an estimated 135 million Australians attend church services in an average week.