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WORLD NEWS

War in Gaza

Unrest over the war in Gaza is reverberating globally.

Stateside, campus protests continue. As faculty members join demonstrations and graduation approaches, colleges are grappling with whether to negotiate with protesters or rely increasingly on police to break up encampments. Protestors are demanding university divestment from Israel-affiliated companies, with reports of antisemitic escalation garnering bipartisan condemnation.

At a Rafah refugee camp over the weekend, Palestinian children were seen holding signs thanking university protesters for their display of solidarity.  

Meanwhile, a thousand U.S. troops have begun building a floating pier to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza (as an added obstacle, they’re under strict orders not to step foot on Gazan soil). It should be completed quickly — officials hope to deliver two million meals a day through the pier beginning early next month.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Be quick to point to God and give him the credit for your hope, strength, and love during times of upheaval and unrest. Even in the midst of chaos, our future with him is secure. 

“I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” 
Psalm 121:1-2 (CSB)

POLITICS

Election-Season Jabs

Journalists, politicians, and celebrities gathered to give three cheers for the free press on Saturday.

As 3,000 glitzy guests filed into the Washington Hilton for the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, pro-Palestinian protesters swarmed the hotel, chanting “shame on you” for the event’s decadence and the association’s silence about reporters killed in Gaza.

Inside, President Biden’s speech stayed true to tradition. He cracked jokes about his age and inaccessibility for press questions and roasted former President Trump for immaturity and legal trouble. SNL’s Colin Jost, the night’s host, poked fun at “Sleepy Joe” for his age and memory, saving some barbs for Trump too. 

The roast may continue on a debate stage this election season. Biden said Friday that he’d be “happy” to debate Trump (who says he’ll face Biden “anywhere, anytime, anyplace.”) 

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
Proverbs warns against “scoffers” who are so set in their opinions they respond with hate when confronted. When you find yourself challenged or even roasted, seek to soften your heart and be counted among the wise.

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid.… A fool’s way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise.” 
Proverbs 12:1, 15 (CSB)

SPONSORED

Forgetful

Let’s be frank – while we know intellectually that Christians are being persecuted around the world… we rarely think about them or remember to pray for their protection and steadfastness. 

It’s just not top of mind because we don’t face the same threats.

Help The Persecuted’s newsletter shares quick stories of courageous persecuted Christians and invites you to pray for them. Stories like a couple in Iran having their house ransacked for sharing the gospel, building a new home, and then hosting a house church in it. 

Most of what TPO covers is highly visible… but is rarely spiritually significant. This newsletter is the opposite. Subscribe to be reminded and encouraged by Christians risking their lives to spread the name of Jesus.

SPORTS

On the Clock

It’s the biggest sports party that doesn’t include games. 

The 2024 NFL Draft brought a record 775,000 fans to Detroit, eclipsing peak attendance numbers set in Nashville in 2019—Green Bay’s up next to host the 3-day event. 

The Chicago Bears were first on the clock, selecting USC Heisman-winning quarterback Caleb Williams. Six QBs were chosen in the first 12 picks, including Atlanta’s shocking #8 selection of Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. Just last month, the Falcons added veteran QB Kirk Cousins with a four-year, $180 million deal. 

UCLA’s Laiatu Latu was Indianapolis’s pick #15 in the latest first defensive pick ever. 

The draft ended Saturday with pick #257. This year’s “Mr. Irrelevant,” Alabama Safety Jaylen Key, is headed to the Jets. Watch the 2024 rookies get their calls of a lifetime here. 

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Verse to consider whether your team’s draft score was an A+ or just a bust… “But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 (CSB)

Americans are (apparently) listening to less Marvin Gaye. Last year, the U.S. welcomed 3.59 million babies, 76,000 fewer than in 2022 and the lowest number since 1979. Sociologists cite the pandemic, the rising cost of living, and more women pursuing education and careers before trying to start a family as reasons for the decline.


King Charles III is returning to public duties. While he is not done with treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, the king’s doctors are “very encouraged by the progress made so far” and confident in his ability to resume external engagements. The biggest event on His Majesty’s calendar is a state visit from Japan’s Emperor Naruhito in June.

RIP FYP? ByteDance says it would prefer to shut down TikTok rather than sell if legal challenges to Uncle Sam’s recent ban fail. TikTok currently loses money and represents a relatively small share of ByteDance’s total daily active users, meaning a shutdown would have limited financial impact and allow ByteDance to keep its core algorithm.

Dozens of twisters tore up the Midwest this weekend. Oklahoma’s Governor Stitt said Sunday that tornadoes killed at least four people statewide, flattened multiple rural towns, and left tens of thousands without power. Another band of tornadoes ripped through Nebraska (video) and western Iowa, devastating the small town of Minden, IA (see photos).

The dairy industry is in a fowl situation. The FDA said Tuesday that fragments of the bird flu (H5N1) were detected in 1 in 5 retail milk samples. Officials aren’t suggesting anyone dump their 2%—the fragments weren’t active viruses (won’t cause infection), and bird flu has only ever caused mild symptoms in humans—but they’re racing to complete more testing.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Scootin’ into another week of work…

What We’re Asking For
Anything Aruna Project*

Aside from the immovable top three (quiet time, time to myself, and alone time), what’s at the top of your Mother’s Day wishlist this year, moms? If you’re looking for inspiration, look no further than Aruna Project. 

Aruna Project rescues and then employs trafficked women, creating lifelong freedom through employment and holistic care. When you shop at Aruna, you get a premium product while providing transitional housing, counseling, and living wages to Aruna’s Artisans. 

Right now, we’re loving their Shree Crossbody bag. It’s chic, machine-washable, lightweight, and has multiple zipper pockets (perfect for moms on the go). Plus, it positively impacts the lives of six women freed from sex trafficking.

Add Aruna to your list.

What We’re Learning
How to Read the Bible Like a Seminary Professor*

What a treat! 

Dallas Theological Seminary has pulled footage from one of its most celebrated professors — Dr. Howard Hendricks, who passed in 2013 — teaching one of his most timeless courses… and made it available for free.

This course is designed for anyone who wants to:

• learn more about God’s Word and the truth it holds

• grow in your ability to read and interpret Scripture

• deepen your walk with the Lord by applying the Bible to your life

I just signed up (they send the first lecture instantly) and am adding this to my quiet time for the next week. Join me (did I mention it’s free)!

Jason Woodruff | Founder