250 Pentecost 25: Answered Prayers: The Scepter of Wickedness Does Not Rest
“Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” ~ Psalm 146
Answered Prayers: The Scepter of Wickedness Does Not Rest
Our prayers are being answered in ways we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago. In a time when oppressive systems seemed unbreakable, we’re witnessing a powerful pushback against the status quo that has held this nation in its iron grip for far too long. President-Elect Trump has rolled out a 10-point plan to dismantle the “Deep State”—a roadmap that, if executed, could curb the unchecked power of a government tangled in corruption and self-interest. This isn’t the end of the battle, but it’s a sign that God is moving, that our repentance, our faith, and our action matter.
But let’s stay grounded: joy and vigilance must go hand in hand. Big government is a dangerous thing, and there’s no guarantee these changes will fully dismantle it. A government this big—so vast it’s even taken a seat at the table for decisions concerning our children’s health and minds—was always meant to be our servant, not our master. Yet here we are, on the verge of pulling out the rot from its very core, cutting the strings on the puppeteers behind it.
Trump’s 10-point plan, Kennedy’s bold support, and the widespread outcry against the “woke mind virus” are more than just political moves. They’re part of a larger story calling for courage and action. Elon Musk’s own battles against twisted ideologies “killing” his son, in his words, is a wake-up call to all the Gen X white women duped into poising their kids in the name of wellness. The fabric of American life, from healthcare to family integrity, is being reshaped by agendas that prioritize control over virtue, dominance over liberty.
But top-down change isn’t the whole answer. The real work is right here, in our homes and communities, taking back our cities brick by brick. The young men of today must be raised as the “repairers of the breach”—committed not just to fighting “wokeness” but to the everyday, unsung work of fixing roads, securing water, and building sustainable communities. God has given us the blueprint for a future that thrives under His hand—not through force, but through faith, labor, and integrity.
This battle is about more than political wins; it’s about reclaiming God-given authority over our lives and lands. Each small victory we witness is a call to keep praying, keep seeking His guidance, and remember this is about divine providence. The tree will stay green as long as we’re watering it with prayer, repentance, and faithful action.
When our prayers meet a “no,” it’s God asking us to wait, to grow in patience and trust. When He says “yes,” it’s a reminder to keep repenting, keep loving, and keep our eyes on Him. His blessings are not an invitation to settle into comfort but a call to stay vigilant in the work He’s set before us.
This is a season of answered prayer, but it’s not the end. Let’s move forward with the vigilance of those who know both joy and struggle. Stand firm, act boldly, and remember: “Trust not in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation” (Psalm 146:3). God alone sustains us. May we be found working, praying, and building until His Kingdom is fully revealed.
Let’s break this down: Trump’s 10-point plan to dismantle the Deep State includes:
Restoring Presidential Authority to Remove Corrupt Officials
“Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness” (Proverbs 25:5). Trump wants to bring back the power to clear out those working against the nation’s interest.
Firing Corrupt Actors in National Security and Intelligence
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish” (Proverbs 19:9). Trump is ready to clean house in national security to restore public trust.
Reforming FISA Courts
“The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him” (Proverbs 11:1). Reforming FISA courts to protect citizens from unjust surveillance.
Establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). This will help the nation heal from hidden government actions.
Cracking Down on Government Leaks
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret” (Proverbs 11:13). By prosecuting leakers, Trump aims to restore integrity to government communications.
Making Inspector General Offices Independent
“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips” (Proverbs 24:26). Independent IGs ensure accountability in government departments.
Implementing Independent Audits of Intelligence Agencies
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart” (Proverbs 21:2). Audits will bring the oversight needed to curb abuses of power.
Relocating Federal Bureaucracy Outside of D.C.
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness” (Proverbs 23:4). Decentralizing moves government closer to the people.
Banning Federal Bureaucrats from Working in Related Private Sectors
“Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household” (Proverbs 15:27). This prevents officials from profiting in industries they once regulated.
Pushing for Term Limits on Congress
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12). New leadership and fresh perspectives can revive a stagnant Congress.
Kennedy’s Health and Environmental Vision
Joining Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. brings an agenda focused on reforming health and environmental policies. His platform includes purging corruption from agencies like the CDC and FDA, eliminating toxins from food and water, and promoting sustainable agriculture. His rallying cry is transparency and integrity, especially in medical and environmental practices, championing personal health and freedom over corporate control. Kennedy’s stance aligns with the ethos of Proverbs: “The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel” (Proverbs 12:10).
Musk’s Mission for Smaller Government and Free Speech
Elon Musk’s advocacy for optimization, responsible wealth, and opposition to what he calls the “woke mind virus” complements Trump and Kennedy’s goals. Musk’s resistance to overreach—especially in matters of censorship and identity politics—serves as a reminder to remain vigilant over individual freedoms. Musk’s vision is to maintain a society where innovation and freedom thrive without oppressive interference.
A Return to the World’s Fair: A Vision of Innovation and Unity
In a final bold move, Trump has proposed bringing back the historic World’s Fair—a chance for America to showcase its advancements in technology, culture, and unity on the global stage. Much like the fairs of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which stunned the world with innovations in energy and design, this revival represents a hope for ingenuity and an invitation to other nations to work together toward a brighter future. These fairs weren’t just exhibitions; they were celebrations of human potential, and they remind us of Proverbs’ wisdom: “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18).
Conclusion
With Trump’s plan, Kennedy’s reforms, and Musk’s vision, there is a renewed energy for change. As Proverbs reminds us, “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices” (Proverbs 11:10). This alignment across fields—politics, health, technology—is an answered prayer for a nation weary of corruption. But while leaders propose, it’s up to us to remain vigilant, to pray, and to take action in our communities and states. May we build a future where justice flows like a river and wisdom directs our every step.
Till angel cry and trumpet sound,
R.J.M.F
In this edition:
life on the ballot once again
what a difference a week makes
a new vax fight?
Cloned ferrets, wooden satellites and all manner of other marvels! It’s just your regular Monday!
Births, Deaths and Marriages
A number of abortion measures were won and lost in various states last week. Arizona, Missouri, Maryland and New York all voted for expansions to their abortion access and availability. Florida's extreme bill failed to reach a required super majority, but not by much. The reality that Americans are not as pro-life as it seemed under the Roe regime is a bitter one to face. The work of defending life and making abortion unthinkable is still before us. (Religion News Service)
Affiliates of Planned Parenthood are suing Missouri, despite the passage of a ballot measure enshrining abortion into the state’s constitution. The lawsuit takes aim at state laws which protect babies from late-term abortions and limit approved reasons for requesting one. (WNG)
Women who support abortion are taking a cue from Korea’s 4B movement, where radical feminists vowed not to date, marry, copulate or procreate to punish men. Harris voters have vowed to abstain for the next four years to protest men who helped elect Trump. (Not the Bee)
One Japanese island has an above replacement fertility. (Mercator)
Crime and Punishment
The trial of Daniel Penny, the former marine charged with killing a homeless man on a New York subway train began last week. Witnesses testified that Jordan Neely was menacing passengers before Penny put him in a headlock. Also, Neely was still alive when police arrived, but no one administered mouth-to-mouth for fear of contracting a disease from the known addict. (Daily Wire)
Federal judge, Stephen McGlynn has struck down Illinois’ ban on assault weapons, ruling it unconstitutional. The state will not be allowed to enforce the ban after 30 days. (Just the News)
Coming to America
New York City mayor, Eric Adams says he will end a food voucher program for illegal immigrants which has reportedly cost the city millions this year. Mayor Adams made the announcement shortly after he spoke with president-elect Donald Trump. Adams has puzzled fellow Democrats by refraining from criticize Trump during his presidential campaign and previously called on President Biden to help the city which is under strain after receiving tens of thousands of illegal immigrants from the southern border. (Red State, Black Enterprise)
A number of tough-on-crime ballots were successful, including California’s bill to tackle retail theft and drug possession. A Georgia prosecutor who protected moves to turn Athens into a sanctuary city was ousted by voters. (Vox, The Federalist)
Is the Left getting the message?
Politics
Prosecutor Jack Smith is looking to wind down two federal cases against Donald Trump, with reports citing the Department of Justice’s policy of not prosecuting sitting presidents. However, the DOJ is fast tracking its prosecution of the “most egregious” January 6 offenders. The assumption is that Donald Trump will pardon or commute the sentences of many of those charged in connection with the Capitol riot. (Semafor, NBC)
The Department of Justice has filed criminal charges against three men accused of planning to assassinate Donald Trump at the behest of the Iranian government. This is a seperate incident to the attempted assassination in July. (Just the News)
A FEMA employee has been fired for telling her team to skip over houses with Trump signs in their yards while canvasing in the wake of Hurricane Helene. But Marn’i Washington has spoken out to defend herself, saying that FEMA instructed teams to avoid certain streets for their own safety for fear of violent confrontation with agitated Trump supporters. (CNN, Washington Examiner)
A new report says VP Kamala Harris’ campaign is $20 million in debt despite raising a record breaking $1 billion funding for her presidential run. Donald Trump has offered to help pay the debt for the sake of unity. (Washington Free Beacon, Not the Bee)
A trans-identified man known as Sarah McBride has replaced outgoing Democrat Representative from Delaware, becoming the first transgender member of Congress. (Daily Signal)
Donald Trump named his campaign director, Susan Wiles, as his chief of White House chief of staff. (WNG)
Health, Medicine and Food
Brace yourself! A vaccine fight, reminiscent of the covid years, could kick off all over again. Brush up on all your pandemic era arguments – efficacy, herd immunity and all the rest – because corporate media is raising concerns that a Trump administration, driven by Robert F Kennedy’s anti-vax stance could see American’s health deteriorate. Experts warn that “trust in science and public health will be severely damaged in the next four years.” Well, acktually, it’s been widely reported that public health authorities ruined their own reputations during covid by doubling down on things that they knew were unproven or outright fabrications. Time magazine urged concerned parents to get their family’s vaccinations up to date and to fight for “public health” at school boards etc. (Time)
RFK says Donald Trump will take fluoride out of drinking water. (Epoch Times)
How peanut allergies were made worse because physicians “close[d] ranks around inaccurate dogma”. “An entire generation — millions of children — had been harmed by groupthink, and many still are feeling the effects.” (Harvard Gazette)
Why research on whether or not alcohol has health benefits is murky. (Barrons)
Why you can eat rare beef but not rare chicken. (IFL Science)
Science
Hey, maybe we’re not descended from monkeys! That’s no news flash to you, der readers but the findings of a new study have challenged the Infinite Monkey Theorem. The theorem proposes that a monkey with a typewriter could randomly generate the works of Shakespeare if given enough time, meaning there is an “almost sure” probability that any sequence of events could occur eventually. The idea is often used to argue that evolution would happen eventually, though the chance of such complexity rising out of simplicity with no input and at random is outlandishly improbable. Mathematicians in Sydney found in their study that the heat death of the universe would occur before any monkeys would arrive at Shakespeare. (Not the Bee)
Japan has launched a little wooden satellite into space. The LignoSat will orbit earth for about 6 months to see how well it endures the extremes of space. Its designers say wood may better protect electrical components from radiation and expect it to last longer in space given the absence of air and water. The team hope to plant trees on the moon in fifty years. (Die Welt)
The Digital Age
Canada’s government has ordered that TikTok’s domestic company, TikTok Technology Canada, must shut down over national security concerns. It is unclear whether banning the company, not the app will actually reduce the leverage Canada has over the Chinese-owned platform. (Wall Street Journal)
X will allow blocked users to still see the posts of accounts that block them. Critics of the policy say it could result in forms of stalking, but the social media company says blocking hinders its efforts at transparency. “Blocked users still can’t follow the person who has blocked them, engage with their posts, or send direct messages to them.” (Tech Crunch)
Palantir has added AI company Anthropic’s suite of capabilities for use by its defense customers which include the Pentagon. (Gizmodo)
Plans for a nuclear power plant to fuel Meta’s data center are on hold as a rare species of bee was discovered on the site. (Data Center Dynamics)
South Korea has fined Meta $15 million for collecting and selling user data. (AP)
Nintendo has announced that its new Switch will be backwards compatible with the original. (The Verge)
Money, Markets and Jobs
A majority of Boeing’s striking workers have voted to accept a deal and come back to work after seven weeks. The agreement includes a 38% pay rise over four year period. (BBC, Reuters)
The median age of first-time homebuyers in the US is now 38, up three years from 2023. This is a record high since recording began in 1981. (CBS)
There’s someone for every job, it would seem! A man who keeps a lighthouse on a remote island off Australia says it is his dream job. (BBC)
Religion and the Church
The United Methodist Church has ruled that congregations that leave the denomination from here on out cannot automatically keep their properties. (WNG)
A timely re-issue of Pastor Bramwell’s discussion of C F W Walther’s paper on communism and the lie of equality. (St Mark’s)
From the Mad☧Tank
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Arts, History and Sport/Culture
Archaeologists are puzzling over a Roman-era skeleton unearthed in Belgium decades ago after discovering it is made up of bones from a number of people who lived centuries apart. (Live Science)
A group of spelunkers is searching for a system of caves beneath Colorado. The existence of the Cyclopean Cave was attested to by a colourful journalist in 1880s but might not exist. (Colorado Sun)
Judy Garland’s ruby slippers are currently being auctioned. The famous sequinned shoes were stolen for 13 years until a tip off in 2018 lead FBI to a thief who thought shoes were actually jewel-encrusted. (Deadline)
Last week in history:
1861 James Naismith who invented basketball is born. (Britannica)
1871 Scottish missionary David Livingstone located in Africa. (History Press)
1989 The Berlin Wall is opened. (Britannica)
Hearts and Minds
Engineer and writer, Cal Newport says getting your news weekly, especially from a printed paper would probably do good for frazzled Americans. He suggests using newly-freed attention to real people and reading books. “The Republic will still stand without our constant digital vigilance. But it’s unclear if our mental health can survive the status quo.” (Cal Newport)
God’s Green Earth
Biologists have filmed a sparkly psychedelic worm in the sea near Chile. (Mashable)
A cloned endangered black-footed ferret has given birth to three kits. (NPR)
A wind turbine nacelle converted into a tiny house. (New Atlas)
War and Rumors of War
Israel has sponsored flights to evacuate some Israeli citizens from Netherlands after violent incidents at a soccer match between Dutch and Israeli teams. Israelis, mostly tourists, were set upon as they left the stadium in Amsterdam with 30 people reportedly injured. The attacks may have been coordinated to avoid police interference. (CNN, The Guardian)
Reports say Russia is likely behind a plot to start fires aboard flights in-bound to the USA. Two incendiary devices found in the UK and Germany appear to be a “test run” for a larger plan. The Kremlin has dismissed the report while US authorities say there is no active threat to flights to America. (CNN)
Truth is stranger than Hollywood: A investigative firm in Italy is accused of hacking information about Russia for Israeli intelligence on behalf of the Vatican. (Politico)
Stories from Far Away
🇲🇽 The majority of Mexico’s supreme court justices have said they would rather step down than comply with new judicial overhaul that requires them to stand for (public?) election. (AP)
🇲🇽 The Mexican navy has seized 3.6 tons of cocaine from a ship intercepted off its coast. The vessel is a type known as “go-fast boat” with two motors and is semi-submersible to evade detection. (CBS)
🇫🇷 A French father is being questioned about whether he was connected with the killer of his daughter’s teacher. Samuel Paty, a history teacher was beheaded in 2020 by a Chechen Muslim. (The Guardian)
🇨🇺 Cuba has been hit by Hurricane Rafael, leading to more blackouts and the evacuation of thousands from in the most affected regions. (CBS)
🇪🇸 The king and queen of Spain have been pelted with mud and stones as they toured some of the flood-devastated regions of the country. People are upset, saying the government is not doing enough to help. But others praised the royals for their accessibility as they also embraced distraught citizens and wandered with crowds. (BBC, Trad West via X)
🇯🇵 Japan has plans for a 320 mile conveyor belt “road” transport containers between Tokyo and Osaka. (The Guardian)
🇲🇾 A Malaysian state is pushing to build a wall 60 miles long, on its border with Thailand. Authorities in the province aim to stop smuggling and also young people who cross the border to party in the more liberal Thailand. (South China Morning Post)
🇧🇷 Brazil’s police believe they’ve arrested a man responsible for masterminding the murder of a British journalist and local man who were reporting on illegal fishing. (The Guardian)
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe's government has banned its police from using their phones while on duty. No reason was given, but it is believed the move is aimed at curbing corruption after a viral video showed police accepting bribes from a traffic offender. (BBC)
🇳🇿 Charges against a New Zealand man have been dropped after he encouraged public debate about abortion. Paul Burns suggested that if abotion is justified on the grounds of overpopulation ,then proponents should take their own lives. (The Epoch Times)
🇬🇧The UK’s Conservative Party has elected Kemi Badenoch, who was raised in Nigeria, as its new leader. Badenoch replaces former prime minister, Rishi Sunak. (Politico)
🇩🇪 Germany’s coalition government is coming a little unstuck. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called emergency talks with leaders of other parties after he fired the country’s finance minister over the nation’s economic woes. (Politico, CNN)
🇫🇷 Soundcheck. Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral has rung its bells for the first time since a fire heavily damaged the ancient building in 2019. (France 24)
🇹🇷 Turkey: is the bird named after the country or vice versa?
🍂 The spectacle of Fall foliage never gets old
🦙 An alpaca and a llama are bringing smiles to travellers passing through Portland’s international airport
🌩️ “Sprite” lightning wins photography contest
🎄 Christmas came a little early for the crew of the International Space Station
🇵🇭 The world's largest chicken-shaped building is a 15-room hotel
🇸🇪 Stockholm unveils it new electric hydrofoil
🌈 Man tries on colorblind corrective glasses to see full color for the first time
Great stuff from Jonathan and Meridith on Starfall2029 last week! Challenges for thinking through what Lutheranism is and also to spread kindness. Watch on YouTube or Rumble, or listen here. Show links:
The BITE model of assessing controlling behavior
If you missed it, Meridith put out a call for anyone who would like to make a quilt for men who stay at the Hebron Collegium. If that is something you would be interested in helping out with, please reply to this email or send a message through madpxm.com/contact.
Our disclaimer: These are some resources the Fisks have found edifying, but when dealing with human-authored texts, apply discernment liberally!
This Week Preached:
Podcast Release:
Let us pray. Almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You. Grant us so firmly to believe in Your Son Jesus that our faith may never be found wanting; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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