#ourCOG Daily Brief [October 13, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for October 13, 2025.

In today’s top stories, President Trump announced his administration has found funds to pay U.S. troops on October 15th despite the ongoing government shutdown, though many military families remain stressed by the uncertainty of missed paychecks. Meanwhile, mass federal layoffs have begun, aimed at pressuring Democratic lawmakers, with federal workers already reeling from missed paychecks and previous cuts. Internationally, the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal have cleared an initial hurdle, with negotiators decoupling an emotional first phase from a more complex second phase of the Trump plan. There were euphoric homecomings in Israel and Gaza today, as Hamas returned surviving hostages and Israel released Palestinian prisoners as part of the fragile ceasefire that has paused two years of conflict. This exchange, however, also highlighted the tough challenges ahead for President Trump’s peace plan, with the President himself declaring, “the time for peace is now.” Finally, we’re hearing reports that Madagascar’s president has fled the country amid warnings of an illegal power grab.

Turning our attention to our video offerings, we highlight some recent titles including: “Masterpiece | Jeremiah 18: 1-6 | Bishop Jason Ganer,” “Speak Life – Your WORDS matter,” and “Stop Putting Dates On The Rapture! | Perry Stone.”

From our FaithNews feed, the latest headlines include: “Intercultural Ministries Hosts ‘Seat at the Table’ Conference,” “Group Releases Original Holiday Single: ‘The Christmas Lamb’,” “Group’s Weekend Retreats Help Men Overcome Addiction,” and “International Offices Prayer Center Dedicated.”

In prophecy news, October 13th saw President Trump thank the ‘God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob’ in a Knesset speech, celebrating the return of all living hostages to Israel after 738 days, although only four of twenty-eight hostage bodies are expected to be released today. The presidential plane, Air Force One, awaits President Trump’s departure. Earlier in the week, October 12th’s news highlighted a recent survey revealing that 54% of U.S. adults believe religion shouldn’t influence political decisions, indicating a broader lack of biblical knowledge among evangelicals. October 11th focused on the left’s attempts to control public discourse by reframing language, such as calling criminals “justice-involved individuals” or abortion “reproductive healthcare.” And on October 10th, Hamas confirmed the war is officially over, citing guarantees from the U.S. and other mediator countries.

Finally, looking back in Jewish history to October 14th, we note several significant events. In 680, Visigoth King Wamba of Hispania abdicated, a ruler known for his order expelling Jews from Spain as part of a harsh policy. Later in 996, the Fatimid caliph Al-Hakim began his reign, ordering Christians to wear wooden crosses and Jews to wear wooden calves. And in 1066, following William the Conqueror’s victory at the Battle of Hastings, a Jewish community was established in England, as William brought a group of Jews from Rouen, a decision likely not favored by the Pope at the time.