"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to be wary of those who sow divisions among you, and undermine the faithfulness of the people with controversies concerning the teachings that you have received. Avoid them, for these people do not serve the Lord, but their own passions and schemes. By their lying tongues and smooth flattering they deceive the naive and the unsuspecting."
Romans 16:17-18
"Avoid foolish controversies, and detailed analysis and pedigrees, and arguments and quarrels about our teachings, because they are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that these people are disturbed and sinful; by their actions they condemn themselves."
Titus 3:9-11
"This kind of person finds fault, complains constantly and sows discontent to promote their own desires and preferences. If you listen they are arrogant, and they use flatteries to gain advantages. Remember the predictions of His apostles, that in the last age there will be scoffers driven by their own desires, creating divisions and controversies, Worldly, and devoid of the Spirit, which is love."
Jude 1:16-19
"And then many will fall away, and will hate and betray one another. False prophets will arise, and lead the people astray. And because of the increase in wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. But those who stand firm in faith to the end will be saved."
Matthew 24:10-14
Stocks flopped this morning after the end of quarter paint job.
The SP was a little more resilient and managed to gain back much of its losses into the close. Tech, not so much.
Gold and silver rallied, and the Dollar backed off to the high 100 handle.
Bitcoin is bouncing along the bottom of its trading range.
VIX fell even as stocks broke lower. There is little fear among the masters of the universe.
BREAKING: The US has offered Iran a new $6 billion bribe from Iran's own frozen funds of $100 billion to relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz and drop its planned fees, but Iran has directly rejected the offer as it targets $40 billion in annual Hormuz fees and permanent control over the Strait, per WSJ. Iran's chief negotiator Ghalibaf reaffirms the Strait is "under Iran's command, not the US's," with Iran's IRGC warning this morning that any ship not using Iran's approved route and any American interference will face an "immediate and powerful" response.
Let us remember the many blessings that God has bestowed on us this holiday weekend. And bear the mind the many sacrifices in preserving freedom that were borne by those who have gone before us, sometimes paying a terrible price.
Each person we meet is carrying a heavy burden that is their own. Thank you all for your fellowship throughout the year, and know that you are always in my prayers, as I hope that I am in yours.
Even though at times he may seems distant, the Lord is even now walking among us, as he did when he walked the earth in the Apostles' days. And by his loving kindness and tender mercies he calls to us, and bids us follow him, and yearns to bring us with him safely into His father's house.
What more could we wish for? To be a friend of God and His creation. A friend of God.
Time to come home.
Have a pleasant weekend.
