April 16, 2026
The news has been exhausting lately…
Democratic Congressman resigns over sexual abuse allegations, US Navy blockades Iran, and President Trump depicts himself as… Jesus…
We’ve got a lot to cover. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Real News
Eric Swalwell Resigns Over Scandal
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), a leading candidate for California governor and current congressman, has resigned from Congress and suspended his campaign for the California governorship after multiple sexual assault allegations emerged late last week.
A former staffer accused him of sexual assault on two occasions when she was too intoxicated to consent in a 2024 New York hotel room.
Additional claims involve inappropriate touching and non-consensual encounters. A fifth accuser, former model Lonna Drewes, alleged sexual abuse in 2018. Swalwell has denied all allegations.
Criminal probes are being led by the Manhattan DA and LA County Sheriff, while the House Ethics Committee has also launched an investigation.
Timeless Truth
Nothing good ever comes from sin. 1 Corinthians 6:18 tells us to “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
Luke 8:17 tells us that all things hidden will come to light. Hiding sin may bring temporary relief, but when sin is uncovered involuntarily the repercussion is even more severe (Proverbs 28:13).
Sin is a trap that can so easily entangle us and isolate us. We must assess our hearts and pray for protection from wickedness. James 5:16 says “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Times like this remind us of how wicked the world can be (1 John 2:15), even our politicians who are supposed to be the standard of wisdom and uprightness delve into awful debauchery (Ecclesiastes 3:16). In times like this, all we can do is trust that God will bring true justice and make all things right (Isaiah 30:18)
We must pray for the victims that have been affected by this, that they would receive healing - spiritually, mentally, and emotionally (1 Peter 2:24). We must pray that justice would come forth, that no stone would be left unturned, and that all hidden things would come to light (Hebrews 4:13). We must pray that Mr. Swalwell would repent of his sin and turn to Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19).
Strait of Hormuz Blockade
As of April 16, 2026, the US has imposed a naval blockade on all ships entering or exiting Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.
The blockade, went into effect on Monday, April 13 after peace talks failed in Islamabad, Pakistan. The US aims to cut off Iran's oil revenue and force Tehran back to negotiations.
Neutral transit through the strait to non-Iranian ports - like Saudi Arabia or the UAE, is allowed. US Central Comm reports that no ships have made it past the blockade targeting Iranian ports in the first 24 hours and at least seven merchant vessels have turned back.
The President has signaled a possible second round of talks and warned that any Iranian attack vessels approaching US forces will be eliminated.
Iran has called the action “piracy” and threatened retaliation with the fragile two-week ceasefire set to expire soon.
Timeless Truth
Sadly, war and conflict will be a constant reoccurrence until the end of this age (Matthew 24:6-7). What we have here is a reminder that while the government uses physical weaponry to wage wars against evil regimes and leaders, Christians wage war against the true enemy - the root of all evil and sin - with weapons not of this world (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).
Its important to remember that although it looks like we are waging war against flesh and blood, we are actually waging war against powers and principalities and dominions of which we do not see (Ephesians 6:12).
Isaiah 41:10 reminds us: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
War, conflict, and the talk of Christians having to fight a spiritual war can be overwhelming, but take heart that God has already won the war and that we are walking in His victory (1 Corinthians 15:57 & John 16:33).
As believers, we do not cling to any government or leader in times of uncertainty, but to God Himself (Psalm 46:1-2).
We must pray that governments would continue to take actions that ensure peace for their people (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We must pray that our leaders would have wisdom in uncertain times (Daniel 2:21). We must pray that the Church would stand firm in the truth of God’s word as we face forces that are not of this world (Ephesians 6:10-13).
Trump-Jesus AI Image
On Sunday, April 12, President Trump posted an AI-generated image on Truth Social depicting himself as a Jesus figure: robed in white with a red sash, surrounded by angels and divine light, placing a glowing hand on a sick man's forehead in a healing pose.
The post appeared shortly after Trump criticized Pope Leo’s stance on foreign policy and the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran.
This sparked immediate backlash, with many Christians denouncing the image as blasphemous. Trump later deleted the post but claimed that he saw himself "as a doctor… making people better."
Timeless Truth
This is a deeply upsetting thing to see from President Trump. Exodus 20:7 says “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” In the Old Testament, there were serious punishments for blaspheming the name of God or acting irreverently toward God, which shows how serious this issue was considered to be.
Many people will say that the President was only “trolling” or “joking”, but this still doesn’t make it right (Proverbs 26:18-19). We should expect our leaders to revere and honor God, not use Him to score political points.
Now, this is not to be confused with leaders rightly acknowledging God and standing for righteousness and biblical principles (Luke 12:48). This should actually be the standard that Christians have for all leaders, but in our fallen world today, we often pick between the lesser of the two evils.
It is deeply disturbing that President Trump thought the picture originally depicted himself as a doctor, which unfortunately gives us a glimpse into his spiritual life. We have often heard the President say that he hopes he gets into heaven, but he needs to realize that Jesus Christ IS the only way to heaven, not his own actions (John 14:6).
However, the Church must also judge righteously. There are many in the Church who are quiet when left leaning politicians commit sin but are loud when the President messes up. This is unrighteous judgment. The Church must stand on truth and judge both sides equally, lest we be seen as hypocrites (Matthew 7:1-5 & John 7:24).
We must pray that the President would humbly ask for forgiveness for taking the Lord’s name in vain (James 4:6-10). We must pray that the Church would judge righteously and hold our leaders accountable when they do wrong (John 7:24). We must pray that that the church would stand firm in what the truth of God’s word (Ephesians 6:13-14).
Behind the Feed
How do Christians glorify God in their work? Is it by devoting themselves to vocational ministry or by putting crosses on everything we sign or make?
This quote from Martin Luther gives light to this question: “The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.”
Christian work is known by its excellence, not by its product or outcome.
Colossians 3:23-24 says “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
The truth is that God values your work more than you do. You may see the mundane tasks of reports, filings, office upkeep, meetings, and more as how you just earn your living. God sees these tasks as worship to Him. He uses the excellence that you put forth for purposes beyond what you can see.
God created work and excellence. When He finished His creation He said it was “very good,” because it was done with excellence. When we pursue excellence in the things set before us, we are mirroring the one who made us.
Proverbs 22:29 says “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.”
The world notices when people work for something greater than themselves.
Stay up to date
👀 Our new friends created a Christian AI!! Check it out!!
🎙️ Great conversation between Lisa Bevere and Joel Muddamalle
🤦♂️ Tucker Carlson says… Muslims love Jesus??
💸 We don’t really need to tax the rich…
⛪️ Evangelicals have never compromised on homosexuality
Final Exhortation
It seems like the news gets more exhausting each and every week. With politicians letting us down, rumors of war, and great uncertainty, we are faced with an onslaught of bad news on the daily. However, John 16:33 reminds us that Jesus has overcome the world: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Father, I thank you for this week. I ask, Lord, that the reader would be encouraged and uplifted in times of great trial and tribulation. I thank you, Lord, that your word guides us throughout the uncertainty of these times. Father, give the reader their daily bread and equip them with the truth that they need to combat the lies of the day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.