#ourCOG Daily Brief [November 25, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for November 25, 2025.

In U.S. news today, reports indicate President Trump’s estimated net worth has doubled to over $6 billion since early 2024, prompting watchdog groups to raise concerns about ethical norms, despite denials from his allies. Meanwhile, US senators have sharply criticized Trump’s proposed Russia-Ukraine peace plan, calling it a reward for aggression. On a local note, Vermonters are rallying to preserve their beloved general stores, which serve as vital community lifelines in rural areas. We also saw an Indiana Republican buck White House pressure on redistricting, citing his conservative values. And in a high-profile case, the government’s efforts to prosecute former FBI director James Comey appear to be in jeopardy due to a series of missteps. We have no specific world news items to report for today.

Turning to our recent video offerings, you can catch up on our “Chapel” service, hear moving “Senior Stories | November 25, 2025”, and reflect on the message that “God has a plan”. We also have our “Online Thanksgiving Service” available for viewing.

From our FaithNews feed, we’re tracking stories including “Smith Honored with Spirit of Azusa Award,” news that “More Americans Embrace ‘Animal Gifting’ This Christmas,” details on a “Foundation Announces Partnership to Support Military Families in Need,” and the exciting release of the “Church of God Publications Releases 75th Anniversary Edition “Red Back Hymnal”.”

In prophecy news, researchers have attributed the mysterious Santorini earthquake swarm earlier this year, which saw over 25,000 tremors, to hidden magma movements rather than a slipping fault line. Meanwhile, Israel recently experienced a pre-Messiah heat wave, shattering 83-year temperature records with conditions running 10 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages. On the socio-political front, Wolfforth, Texas, unanimously voted to become the 85th “sanctuary for the unborn” city nationwide. And President Trump drew headlines earlier for accusing several Democratic lawmakers, all veterans, of “seditious behavior” punishable by death after they called on U.S. military members to uphold the Constitution.

Finally, in Jewish history, we look back to November 26, 43 BCE, when the Second Triumvirate of Octavian, Lepidus, and Mark Antony was formed, a power-sharing arrangement that ultimately fell apart with Octavian emerging as the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. Interestingly, despite backing Antony, Herod remarkably managed to retain his kingdom by an audacious act of political maneuvering, meeting directly with Octavian on the island of Rhodes to secure his position.