#ourCOG Daily Brief [December 11, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for December 11, 2025.

In U.S. news today, Congress is exploring a ban on members trading stocks, aiming to go beyond current transparency rules to prevent potential insider trading. Meanwhile, President Trump’s expanded use of pardons in his second term is drawing criticism, with some suggesting certain clemency grants could pose a threat to democracy. On a more positive note, the U.S. is experiencing a significant drop in mass killings, reaching a 20-year low, with prevention programs and community health initiatives potentially contributing to this shift. Amidst scrutiny of military leaders, questions arise about when troops should follow orders versus when to push back on legality. Also, a nearly century-old Supreme Court precedent limiting presidential power to fire heads of independent federal agencies could soon be challenged by the Trump administration. Internationally, France is considering a significant shift to a five-day school week, a move that highlights evolving academic priorities. Off the coast of Venezuela, the U.S. seized an oil tanker in an effort to pressure Nicolás Maduro, though citizens remain primarily focused on their daily survival. And in Ukraine, the city of Sloviansk continues to maintain morale even as Russia’s Vladimir Putin vows to take the entire Donetsk region.

Our recent video offerings include two installments of “Kingdom Culture 3,” alongside Perry Stone’s message, “Surviving the Bitterness of Kislev.”

From FaithNews, we hear that Smith has been honored with the Spirit of Azusa Award, more Americans are embracing ‘animal gifting’ this Christmas, a new foundation partnership aims to support military families in need, and Church of God Publications has released a 75th Anniversary Edition of the beloved “Red Back Hymnal.”

In the latest prophecy news, pro-life leaders are sharply criticizing the Trump FDA, alleging that Commissioner Marty Makary is intentionally slowing a review of abortion pill safety data until after next year’s midterm elections. We’re also seeing reports from Denmark identifying the United States as part of its national threat picture. European leaders, including the Prime Ministers of the UK, France, and Germany, recently expressed skepticism regarding certain parts of the U.S. proposal during discussions with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Finally, the Supreme Court is set to hear a case that could potentially reshape campaign finance by allowing political parties to spend unlimited money.

And finally, looking back at Jewish history for December 11th, we note that in 321, a letter from Emperor Constantine the Great provided the first evidence of Jewish communities along the Rhine. Fast forward to 361, when Emperor Julian, known as Julian the Apostate, entered Constantinople as sole ruler. He was notable for his toleration of other religions, and in 363, even announced plans for Jews to rebuild their Temple – though this was ultimately thwarted by an earthquake and his untimely death. We also have a mention of Ferdinand III from 1230, marking one of his significant dates.