#ourCOG Daily Brief [January 11, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for January 11, 2026.

In our top stories today, U.S. pressure continues to mount globally, with Washington calling on Nicaragua to release detainees amid ongoing crackdowns that have been in place since 2018. Meanwhile, in Iran, protests are intensifying, with the government issuing grim warnings of potential death-penalty charges for demonstrators, even as President Donald Trump asserts the U.S. “stands ready to help” those protesting. Adding to the international landscape, the rising popularity and success of women’s sports in England are truly shattering chauvinist conventions, both on and off the field.

Turning our attention to today’s live stream programming, you can catch up on this morning’s worship experiences, including the Princeton Church Live Stream from January 11, 2026, and the North Cleveland Live-Sunday, also from January 11. We also highlighted this morning’s 11 AM EST service. These were our main offerings for today’s worship.

In news from the faith community, we’re seeing some significant developments. Smith has been honored with the Spirit of Azusa Award, while reports indicate more Americans embraced ‘Animal Gifting’ this past Christmas season. A foundation has also announced a new partnership aimed at supporting military families in need. And finally, Church of God Publications has released the 75th Anniversary Edition of the much-loved “Red Back Hymnal.”

Moving on to our prophecy news update, the situation in Iran remains dire, with estimates of 1.5 to 2 million protesters now in the streets, leading to what many are calling a revolution. Tehran is reportedly in flames, and the regime appears to be on the brink of collapse, with Supreme Leader Khamenei laying blame squarely on President Trump. This comes after reports earlier in the week of a nationwide internet blackout in Iran amidst the escalating anti-government protests. In other significant news, International Planned Parenthood has seen substantial job cuts, nearly a thousand, following President Trump’s defunding efforts. And looking ahead, President Trump is set to launch the Gaza Board of Peace next week, a 15-nation body designed to oversee a new Palestinian Arab technocratic government and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back to January 12th, we find several pivotal moments. In 1349, a letter from Cologne warned Strasbourg of pogroms escalating into general riots, causing widespread evil and devastation. Later, in 1412 Spain, the regent Donna Catalina issued a harsh edict aimed at impoverishing and humiliating the Jewish community. And a truly intriguing moment in 1492 saw Christopher Columbus, after meeting with Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, threaten to seek funding from France and England for his westward voyage. This may have been the very impetus for a Converso to step in and provide the crucial funds to the Italian explorer.