#ourCOG Daily Brief [January 9, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for January 9, 2026.

In today’s top stories, U.S. politics saw President Trump continuing his “America First” agenda, withdrawing from numerous global bodies, particularly those focused on climate and human rights, a move that has drawn international condemnation but allowed China to increasingly step into a leadership void. Domestically, a fatal shooting by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, which the city’s mayor called reckless and unnecessary, has reignited the national debate over the use of lethal force by federal agents during immigration operations, testing the agency’s policy constraints. On Capitol Hill, the Senate delivered a rare, albeit symbolic, rebuke to the Trump administration by passing a measure requiring congressional approval for future military operations in Venezuela, hinting at growing pushback from the GOP-controlled legislative branch. This comes as the White House launched significant federal penalties against Minnesota, spurred by an influencer’s unverified video report alleging fraud. Globally, women’s sports are experiencing a boom in England, shattering long-held chauvinist conventions both on and off the field. Meanwhile, in Venezuela, residents are grappling with the aftermath of a political rupture, unsure if the change will lead to anything more than “the same old,” even as President Trump’s “might makes right” approach continues to challenge how other nations, both allies and adversaries, will align.

For those seeking spiritual growth, our video lineup includes “I Can Feel It – Something Is Not Right | Episode 1318” with Perry Stone, “Have You Prayed About It?” from Jentezen Franklin, and our “Global Prayer Center” session from January 8th, 2026.

Turning to FaithNews, we’re celebrating several notable events: Smith was honored with the Spirit of Azusa Award, more Americans embraced “Animal Gifting” this Christmas, a new foundation partnership was announced to support military families in need, and Church of God Publications released its 75th Anniversary Edition of the beloved “Red Back Hymnal.”

In prophecy news, today, January 9th, a nationwide internet blackout was reported in Iran amidst ongoing anti-government protests. Looking back, on January 8th, plans were revealed for President Trump to launch a 15-nation Gaza Board of Peace next week, aimed at overseeing a new Palestinian Arab technocratic government and the reconstruction of Gaza. Earlier in the week, on January 7th, Ukraine’s key European allies signed a declaration on troop deployment, offering security guarantees and the potential for a multinational military force if a peace deal with Russia is reached. And on January 6th, Democrats faced criticism following a U.S. military raid that reportedly captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro over the weekend.

Finally, in Jewish history, we look back to January 10th, 49 BCE, when Julius Caesar famously crossed the Rubicon, igniting a civil war. It’s interesting to note that while his opponent, Pompey, had previously defiled the Holy of Holies and enslaved thousands of Jews, Caesar proved to be a more favorable, or at least “lesser of two evils,” leader for the Jewish people. He allowed the walls of Jerusalem to be rebuilt, designed a taxation system that respected the sabbatical year, and helped establish Jewish communities in Italy. In fact, Romans of the time were quite surprised by the unusual grief displayed by the Jewish population when Caesar was assassinated. A bit more recently, on January 10th, 1072, Robert Guiscard conquered Pale.