#ourCOG Daily Brief [November 18, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for November 18, 2025.

Stateside, the House is poised to vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files, a measure representing a significant rebuke to President Trump, despite his last-minute support. Concerns are also rising over the U.S. Border Patrol’s expanding role in immigration raids far from the actual border, with critics citing overly aggressive tactics in urban centers. Federal workers, having just returned to their jobs after a lengthy government shutdown, are facing immense backlogs and the looming threat of another potential closure, all while the Trump administration continues to reshape immigration courts to speed up removal proceedings. Globally, the economic impact of the Gaza war is now being felt in parts of Israel, as boycott calls hit some exports, prompting questions about the longevity of this backlash if the ceasefire holds. Bolivia has banned child marriage, though lawmakers acknowledge that deep-seated cultural norms still persist. Meanwhile, a strong rebuke from Beijing followed Japan’s latest warning on the status of Taiwan, reigniting tensions between the two nations.

In our video section today, you can catch up on the latest Chapel service featuring Wes Lutes from November 18, 2025. We also have new content exploring ‘The power of praise’ and discussions on ‘Kingdom Culture.’

Turning to FaithNews, the headlines include a report on Robeck’s upcoming Azusa Lecture on Evangelism at Azusa Street Mission. Also featured is ‘Decision Point Confronts America’s Cultural Lies,’ details on the ‘Our Faith, Our Family, Our Freedom Conference’ held in Atlanta from November 6th to 8th, 2025, and an update on the ‘Ministry to Israel ‘Lone Soldier Program’ looking to welcome one of the hostages.’

For the latest in prophecy news, the United Nations Security Council recently approved a U.S. plan for Gaza, authorizing an international stabilization force and outlining a path towards a potential independent Palestinian state following over two years of war. In the Caribbean, the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford has arrived near Venezuela, an order from President Trump. We also see reports of a growing global search for spiritual truth and meaning, with a critical question posed: ‘which God are they finding?’ And finally, Iran is now suspected of seizing oil tankers in international waters, according to maritime security companies.

And finally, looking back at “This Day, November 19, In Jewish History,” we note that in 1095, the Council of Clermont began, initiating the First Crusade which marked one of the darkest periods for the Jewish people, bringing death and destruction from the Rhineland to Jerusalem. Later, in 1190, Baldwin of Forde, the Archbishop of Canterbury, passed away while serving with the Crusaders in Palestine. He was known for his displeasure when King Richard allowed a forcibly converted Jew to return to their faith. The historical records also mention Polish Queen Bon Sforza in 1557…

That concludes our digest for today. Good evening.