The Pour Over Today - Friday, December 16, 2022

Episode Date: December 16, 2022

Today we’re talking about what new polling shows Americans agree (and disagree) on, fairy tales ending at the World Cup, the last rate hikes of the year, and other top news for Friday, December 16th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over. Sponsored by World Concern - $12 feeds a child for a month. We’re matching the first $1,200; just give through this link.

Today we're talking about what new polling shows Americans agree and disagree on, fairy tales ending at the World Cup, the last rate hikes of the year, and other top news for Friday, December 16th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over. Here's the quote of the day. Don't bother to give God instructions, just report for duty. Corrie Ten Boom. Let's start with some espresso shots.

New polling shows there are two Americas with very different priorities, but a lot of the same frustrations. First, the similarities. 74% of Americans wish Congress would compromise across the aisle, but doubt they will. Most Americans see inflation as a top concern. People from both political parties want fresh leadership. And 83% agree our democracy is threatened. But it's a split nearly 50-50 on whether that threat is from Democrats or Republicans. Meanwhile, Dems see climate change as a major issue, but only 1% of Republicans agree. And Republicans see immigration as a major issue, but only 1% of Republicans agree. And Republicans see immigration as a major issue, but only 1% of Democrats agree. Multiple new polls show Republicans significantly favoring Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over former President Trump. And while Democrats agree

they don't want President Biden to run in 2024, they're not sure who should instead. Followers of Christ are not identified by their political affiliation, but by their love for others. And yes, that means loving people that you believe have unloving beliefs and stances. John 13 verse 35 says, By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. The finals are set, and the fairy tales are over. Morocco's magical World Cup run ended on Wednesday at the feet of France, while Argentina made quick work of Croatia on Tuesday.

And so the final is set. Lionel Messi's Argentina, in their iconic vertical baby blue striped jerseys, hope to end their 36-year curse against Kylian Mbappe and defending World Cup champion France, Sunday morning at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Morocco will play Croatia for third place tomorrow at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Meanwhile, the autopsy of Grant Wall, the American sports journalist who died in Qatar, showed that he died of an aortic aneurysm that ruptured. Wall's brother previously said he suspected foul play in part because of

Wall's open support of LGBTQ rights while in Qatar. Wall's brother says he accepts the autopsy's report of natural causes. Sports are fun and a great diversion but can also become an obsession. Keep your affections with Jesus, allow your hobbies to be hobbies, and keep everything in its proper place. Hebrews 12 verse 2 says, The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 0.5 percentage points on Wednesday in its seventh and final hike of the year. Even with all that hiking up, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell feels his pants aren't high enough. Fed officials signaled they expect rates to peak between 5% and 5.5%, higher than previously expected, and Chairman Powell noted,

the historical record cautions against prematurely loosening policy. Translation, he's committed to tackling inflation, even if it hurts a lot. It wasn't all pessimistic. Powell also said he thinks a soft landing, bringing down inflation without triggering a recession, is possible. That apparently wasn't enough comfort for investors as the stock market spiraled lower late Wednesday and Thursday. The Dow closed down more than 750 points yesterday, its biggest decline in three months. Regardless of whether the broader economy

is struggling or thriving, Christians should seek to give generously of our time, talents, and resources to those in greater need. Reach out to your local church to see where help is needed. Galatians 6 verse 9 through 10 says, Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith. This episode of the podcast is brought to you by World Concern. Somalia was just downgraded from a siren wailing and lights flashing food emergency, a major achievement, though the UN warns the situation remains

extremely serious. East Africa is experiencing its worst drought in 40 years, which has left tens of millions of people without access to clean water, killed millions of livestock, and decimated crops. Then the war in Ukraine disrupted its grain supply and drew the focus of humanitarian groups, exacerbating an already dire situation. But this week, the United Nations announced humanitarian partners have reached about 6.8 million people with life-saving assistance, preventing the situation from being declared a famine. It's an exciting milestone, but we're far from the finish line. We're asking the pour-over community to join us in partnering with World Concern to help get emergency nutrition packs,

a peanut paste fortified with nutrients, water, and hygiene products to those in the most need. $12 feeds a child for a month. We're matching the first $1,200. Just give through the link in the show notes. James 2 verse 15 through 16 says, if a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, go in peace, stay warm, and be well-fed, but you don't give them what the body needs, what good is it? In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates. The Senate unanimously voted to ban TikTok from federal government devices over data security concerns related to the app's Chinese ownership. The bill still needs to pass the House and snag

Biden's signature to become law, but this may explain why the federal employee in your life may be asking for a new phone for Christmas. On Wednesday, Twitter banned, unbanned, then re-banned the account ElonJet that tracks movements of Elon Musk's private plane. Musk tweeted that any account posting real-time location would be suspended as it is a physical safety violation, despite previously pledging to keep ElonJet active as a sign of his commitment to free speech. New Zealand is getting serious about its smoke-free future. This week, they passed a law banning anyone born after 2008 from buying tobacco, ever. The Kiwis also limited the country to 600 locations authorized to sell tobacco, down from 6,000 currently, and reduced nicotine levels in all products to non-addictive levels.

Stephen Twitch Boss, best known as the DJ and co-executive producer of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, died by suicide Tuesday at age 40. His wife shared, He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans. If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Harry and Meghan's new documentary, Spilling the Royal Tea, broke Netflix's record for a documentary debut, attracting over 81 million viewing hours. In it, Harry claimed that after his brother, Prince William, screamed at him, the palace issued a statement in Harry's name,

but without his permission, denying William's bullying. The palace has not commented on the documentary. That's all we have for today. Thanks so much for listening. If has not commented on the documentary.