#ourCOG Daily Brief [December 3, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for December 3, 2025.

In today’s top stories, a “second strike” by the U.S. military on a suspected drug boat is drawing bipartisan scrutiny, with legal experts questioning if it violated rules of war, especially after reports of killing survivors. Meanwhile, social media continues to be a hotbed of contention, as a new X feature reveals many divisive accounts are based abroad, likely profiting from outrage. Domestically, Boston and other U.S. cities are exploring innovative solutions to housing shortages by stacking homes above libraries, fostering both affordability and community. On the policy front, a Trump deportation campaign has intensified following an attack on National Guard members, leading to stricter entry limits and scrutiny of Afghan and other immigrants already in the U.S. Finally, the U.S. Army is rapidly modernizing its forces, aiming to deploy 1 million drones annually and expand its arsenal of unmanned weapons to keep pace with evolving warfare. Internationally, old friends Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi are meeting in Delhi, under pressure to demonstrate their independence from Donald Trump’s influence. In Senegal, the tight-knit town of Fadiouth, known for its embracing religious unity between Christians and Muslims, finds its harmony now being tested. And a year after an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, the Lebanese people remain caught in the middle, as neither Hezbollah has disarmed nor Israel withdrawn, despite Beirut’s efforts to uphold its end of the bargain.

Turning to our video segment, Jonathan Vorce explores spiritual themes in “Baptized with Holy Spirit’s Power” and “Baptism of Water & Holy Spirit!” Jentezen Franklin shares an uplifting message in “God’s Not Finished,” all providing valuable insights into Christianity and the Holy Spirit.

From our FaithNews RSS feed, we learned that Smith was honored with the Spirit of Azusa Award. Many Americans are embracing ‘Animal Gifting’ this Christmas, while a new Foundation announces a partnership to support military families in need. And the Church of God Publications has released the 75th Anniversary Edition of the “Red Back Hymnal.”

In prophecy news, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security reports an alarming 1,153% increase in assaults against ICE officers in the past 11 months, as citizens obstruct their efforts. A Trump FDA report claims COVID shots “killed” at least 10 children, prompting promises of new vaccine safeguards from FDA Chief Medical Officer Vinay Prasad. President Trump is also pushing to reopen the California coast to offshore drilling, while in Canada, People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier has vowed to reopen the abortion debate following viral videos exposing late-term abortions.

Finally, in Jewish history, this December 3rd marks several significant events. In 311, the 66-year-old Emperor Diocletian passed away. This day in 1368 was the birthdate of Charles VI, the French king who would later order the expulsion of Jews from his realm in 1394, an order that remained in force for centuries. Conversely, 1447 saw the birth of Sultan Bayezid II, who, in 1492, formally invited and sent ships to safely bring Jews expelled from Spain and Portugal to his empire. Unfortunately, in 1490, Lodovico Maria Sforza expelled all Jews from the duchy of Milan. And in 1656, the first entry in Thomas Burton’s diary recorded the activities of Parliament during Oliver Cromwell’s era.

That concludes our #ourCOG Daily Brief for December 3, 2025. Good evening.