The Pour Over Today - Monday, January 10, 2022

Episode Date: January 10, 2022

Two strains of COVID team up, December’s jobs report, discussions between the U.S. and Russia that aren’t going well, and other top news for Monday, January 10th. Stay informed, while remaining focused on Christ, with The Pour Over. Sponsored by The Brand Sunday:https://links.thepourover.org/thebrandsthebrandsunday_nativead_010922

Two strains of COVID team up, December's jobs report, discussions between the U.S. and Russia that aren't going well, and other top news for Monday, January 10th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over. Thanks for joining us. Here's the quote of the day. Your greatest accomplishment may not be something you do, but someone you raise. Andy Stanley. Let's jump right in with some espresso shots.

Over the weekend, we added Flu-Rona and Delta-Cron to the 2022 bingo card. Researchers from Cyprus announced a new COVID-19 strain, a combination of Delta and Omicron, dubbed Delta-Cron. And for those unlucky enough to get the flu and coronavirus at the same time, you get to call your symptoms Flu-Rona. However, Omicron continues to be the main character, pushing average daily COVID cases in the U.S. to 663,000 over two and a half times last winter's peak. One continued COVID side effect? Headaches for airlines, teachers, and everyone in between. Thousands more flights were canceled this week due to weather and staffing issues. In the Windy City, the Chicago Teachers Union is at an impasse with Chicago Public Schools. The union wanted increased safety measures, and the school system opted to cancel classes instead. A verse to consider when exhausted and remembering fondly the days

of just original COVID and murder hornets. Matthew 11, 28. Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. We're sure most of you already spent your weekend digging into December's jobs report, but for those who missed it, only 199,000 jobs were added, half of what was expected, unemployment dropped to 3.9%, and there are 10.6 million job openings. So, slow job growth, low unemployment, and lots and lots and lots of open jobs. Virtually everyone who wants a job can find one. A growing number of people are even over-employed working two remote jobs. The economy's problem is that not everyone wants one. There are 1.7 million people who left the workforce during the pandemic and haven't returned.

Following December's numbers, President Biden touted strong growth in wages and jobs during his first year in office, dismissing criticisms of his administration, ignoring rising inflation as quote-unquote malarkey. Our hope is never contingent on an economic outcome. It's much more secure than that. Regardless of whether things get worse or better during your lifetime, everything eventually ends well for followers of Christ. Set your minds on the things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is hidden with Christ and God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will also appear with him in glory. Colossians 3, 2-4.

While tensions in Kazakhstan have stabilized following last week's deadly protests, hundreds are dead and thousands injured after the Kazakh president issued a shoot-to-kill order and recruited the help of Russian troops. The U.S. is asking questions about whether violence was necessary and why they needed Russia's assistance. The U.S. is also talking with Russia today about the roughly 100,000 Russian troops gathered along its Ukrainian border. Uncle Sam has detailed harsh sanctions should Russia decide to launch an invasion. Meanwhile, Russia wants promises that the U.S. will not place missiles on Ukrainian soil

nor allow Ukraine to join NATO. A Russian official said they're unwilling to make any concessions and can already foresee talks with the U.S. breaking down. So, that's promising. It's easy to feel helpless when reading about foreign affairs, but the Bible promises that prayer is powerful and effective. That it causes things to happen that would not have happened otherwise. Pray for wisdom and effectiveness for the leaders involved. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.

James 5, 16. This episode is sponsored by The Brand Sunday. Absolving guilt of failed New Year's resolutions is one of the cool powers we are given as a Christian podcast. So, boom, you're absolved of all guilt for both 2020 and 2021. They were weird years anyway. Now, let's start fresh and focused. The brand Sunday is discounting their Best Life Bundle, which includes the Bible Study, their best-selling, beautifully designed, step-by-step guide to getting through the whole Bible, and their Best Season Planner, with daily, weekly, and monthly guidance to build your faith-forward plan. Check out this deal and make 2022 a year of intentional growth in your faith. The link is in our show notes.

deal and make 2022 a year of intentional growth in your faith. The link is in our show notes. In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates. Nearly 200 firefighters responded to an unprecedented fire in the Bronx that killed 19 people, including nine children. New York City's deadliest fire in three decades. The fire was started by a malfunctioning space heater on the second floor, and that apartment's door being left open allowed smoke to spread quickly throughout the 19-story building. The three men convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man who was out jogging in Georgia when killed, were all sentenced to life in prison last Friday. The father and son were sentenced without the possibility of parole. Attorneys for the men said they'd appeal the sentence.

A plan to steal farming secrets was foiled. A Chinese national pleaded guilty on Thursday in U.S. federal court to conspiring economic espionage by stealing trade secrets from agricultural company Monsanto to benefit the Chinese government. company Monsanto to benefit the Chinese government. Amy Schneider just became the fourth person, and first woman, to earn more than $1 million on Jeopardy after her 28th straight victory, another record for the most consecutive games won by a woman. Schneider is looking to extend those records on today's show, so watch out, Ken Jennings. And that is all we have for today. Thank you so much for listening. If you think this

podcast is helpful or encouraging, please consider giving us a five-star rating. If you're listening on the Apple Podcast app, drop us a review as well. We do actually read them and take them to heart, like this review from jbrown3429. I can't say enough about this simple, short podcast. The way they weave the Bible into various segments really helps me stay focused on God, regardless of what's happening in the world. Jay Brown, thank you so much for taking the time to send in a review. We appreciate the encouragement. If you're listening on Spotify, there is an option to leave a rating, but it's a newer feature and it's only doable on your phone, not desktop or browser yet. We sincerely appreciate all of your support, and we hope you have a great rest of your day. We'll see you on Wednesday.