#ourCOG Daily Brief [April 8, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for April 8, 2026.

Today, the international landscape remains complex, with the U.S. and Iran both claiming victory following recent conflicts, though questions persist about the true cost of peace and America’s global standing, which appears weaker despite its military might. A fragile two-week ceasefire, brokered by President Trump’s notable verbal brinkmanship, has temporarily opened the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, immigration continues to be a hot topic at home, as hard-liners push for expanded mass deportations through workplace raids, and virtually all U.S. refugees now originate from South Africa, reflecting a shift in policy focusing on Afrikaners. Beyond Earth, the Artemis II mission has made history, reaching unprecedented distances from our planet, with an eye towards pioneering a new lunar economy. Internationally, tensions simmer in Lebanon where Israel grapples with the effectiveness of military force against Hezbollah, and in Eastern Europe, where Hungary’s Orbán alleges mistreatment of Hungarian minorities in Ukraine, sparking disputes over cultural rights.

Turning to our video segment, we highlight three recent titles: ‘Your Past Ends In The Water’ by Jentezen Franklin, along with a recording of ‘April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday) Praise and Worship’, and finally, the ‘Alabama Church of God Mid-Winter Camp Meeting Mobile, Alabama 1983 (2)’.

In FaithNews, we note the passing of former General Overseer, Robert White. Also in the news, a Church Planting Intensive is currently in session, the ‘Jesus Wells’ Campaign is actively focusing on the world’s thirstiest communities, and a ministry has proudly won ‘Best Children’s Feature’ at the Movieguide® Awards.

For our prophecy news today, we have several key developments. President Trump announced a two-week delay in the ‘bombing and attack of Iran,’ contingent on the Islamic Republic opening the Strait of Hormuz. This follows a high-risk special operations mission that successfully rescued a U.S. pilot deep inside Iran after an F-15 shootdown. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has proposed a ceasefire on attacks against the energy sector if Russia ceases its own assaults. On the domestic front, a Democrat Congressional Candidate recently drew criticism for lambasting evangelicals, accusing them of creating the ‘white patriarchy’.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at April 9th, we find significant decrees impacting the Jewish community. In 193 AD, Septimius Severus was proclaimed Roman Emperor, notably becoming the first emperor to prohibit proselytizing by Jews. Centuries later, in 423 AD, Emperor Theodosius II reaffirmed Roman laws that made it abominable for Jews to purchase Christian slaves, threatening statutory punishment for violations. He also reiterated the ban on Jews circumcising Christians, with offenders facing confiscation and lifelong exile. We also note a mention of one of two possible dates in 614 AD, according to the Armenian bishop and historian Sebos.