#ourCOG Daily Brief [October 16, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for October 16, 2025.

In today’s headlines, we’re seeing former President Trump continue his “lawfare,” with the indictment of former National Security Advisor John Bolton, signaling a new phase in his pursuit of those he believes wronged him. On the diplomatic front, after successfully strong-arming a ceasefire in Gaza, Trump is now applying a similar strategy to the conflict in Ukraine, aiming to bring peace by leaning heavily on the combatants. Domestically, recovery efforts along the vital Blue Ridge Parkway are facing significant challenges due to both geography and a lingering government shutdown, while Maryland is innovating to address teacher shortages by offering training to laid-off federal workers. The Supreme Court, meanwhile, heard arguments on a case that could significantly diminish the Voting Rights Act of 1965, depending on how it rules on the use of race in congressional map drawing. Internationally, Hamas is violently reasserting control in Gaza, cracking down on rival militias, and questions are arising about Turkey’s potential role in the next phase of Trump’s peace plan for the region.

From our video section, you can catch up on “God’s Truth,” explore how “Marriage Thrives When Men Make Godly Decisions — Not Perfect Ones,” and delve into the insights offered in “A Breakthrough Church.”

Our FaithNews RSS feed today highlights the ‘Lone Soldier Program’ looking to welcome one of the hostages, a new book examining the generational shift in leadership and discipleship, VPN.com honoring TPUSA Founder Charlie Kirk, and Intercultural Ministries hosting their ‘Seat at the Table’ Conference.

Turning to prophecy news, recent events have students of Bible prophecy examining Israel’s victory over Hamas. While some have questioned if the current peace deal could be the Antichrist’s covenant from Daniel 9:27, it’s clarified that it does not meet the seven-year requirement. Other recent discussions include the impact of “Democrat Depravity” on races in Virginia and New Jersey, former President Trump’s announcement of the second phase of his Gaza peace plan, and his recent speech in the Knesset, where he thanked the ‘God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob’ amidst reports of hostage releases.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back to October 16th, in 521 BCE, Darius cemented his position as the Persian monarch under whom the Second Temple was completed. Later, in 912, Abd-ar-Rahman III began his reign as Emir of Cordoba, appointing the Jewish physician Hasdai ibn Shaprut, who became his trusted confidant and advisor. And in 976, Al-Hakam II, the second Caliph of Córdoba, whose subjects included Rabbi Enoch Ben Moses and his student Samuel ha-Nagid, passed away.