#ourCOG Daily Brief [March 15, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for March 15, 2026.

Today, the ongoing war in Iran continues to dominate headlines, reverberating across the globe. Domestically, the conflict presents both peril and possibility for nations like Ukraine and Russia, influencing everything from soaring oil prices to military needs, while also creating diplomatic and strategic openings. The war’s unique nature, however, hasn’t yet united Americans around a shared goal in the way past conflicts have, even as President Trump’s govern-by-instinct style is being tested by the Iran endgame, leaving significant questions unanswered. Meanwhile, the U.S. is grappling with a housing crisis; a bipartisan Senate bill aims to address affordability but faces hurdles in the House. American farmers are also feeling the pinch, as the conflict disrupts the flow and increases the price of essential fertilizers. Globally, President Trump’s call for countries to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz has brought no immediate promises, yet global oil prices continue to surge, impacting a fifth of the world’s supply. The war has intensified around Iran’s islands, particularly Kharg Island, after a U.S. strike destroyed military sites there, highlighting their critical role in Iran’s oil industry and national security. With the vast majority of oil from the Strait bound for Asia, countries there are now facing belt-tightening measures, underscoring their dependence on fossil fuels.

Turning to our video offerings, you can catch up on our latest messages including “What Is Your Issue? One Touch of Faith Changes Everything” by Bishop Jason Garner, “Consequences of Compromise,” recorded today, March 15th, 2026, and the “Sunday Service” from citylife church, broadcast live Sundays at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM EST.

In Faith News, we’re seeing exciting developments with a “Church Planting Intensive In Session,” alongside the impactful “‘Jesus Wells’ Campaign” focusing on the world’s thirstiest communities. We also celebrate a ministry winning “Best Children’s Feature” at the Movieguide® Awards, and a past “Church Planting Intensive” that ran from March 11th to 13th.

Now, for the latest in prophecy news. Today, March 15th, 2026, we saw an unprecedented statement from Hamas, urging Iran to cease attacking neighboring countries – a first of its kind directed at Tehran. Hamas also called for the international community to work towards ending the war in Iran, while simultaneously emphasizing Iran’s right to self-defense. This follows Friday’s report, March 14th, from President Trump, stating the U.S. had “obliterated” military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, a crucial oil hub, with “powerful bombing raids.” Earlier in the week, on March 13th, Israel struck central Beirut, and Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a direct threat to kill Iran’s new Supreme Leader. And on March 12th, the Israeli military launched a new “large-scale” wave of strikes on Hezbollah targets in south Beirut, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reportedly struck a Liberia-flagged ship.

Finally, let’s look at this day in Jewish history, with insights from Mitchell A and Deb Levin Z”L. March 16th marks several significant events. In 597 BCE, according to archaeological calculations and biblical accounts, the first conquest of Jerusalem by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar occurred, a pivotal moment reflected in the books of Kings, Chronicles, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. Fast forward to 37 CE, when Caligula ascended as Roman Emperor after Tiberius’s death. Caligula, known for his erratic behavior—even appointing his horse as Consul—posed a unique challenge for the Jewish people. He believed himself to be a god and demanded worship from his subjects, fortunately, he never succeeded in having his golden image installed in the Temple.