Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has officially dropped his re-election bid.

In a statement posted to X, the governor wrote:

Minnesota has to come first – always.

Today, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make Minnesota the best place to live and raise kids.

I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work.

He also shared a four-page statement where he attacked the president and the Republican Party.

Like many Minnesotans, I was glad to turn the page on 2025. It was an extraordinarily difficult year for our state. And it ended on a particularly sour note.

For the last several years, an organized group of criminals have sought to take advantage of our state’s generosity. And even as we make progress in the fight against the fraudsters, we now see an organized group of political actors seeking to take advantage of the crisis.

I won’t mince words here. Donald Trump and his allies—in Washington, in Saint Paul, and online — want to make our state a colder, meaner place. They want to poison our people against each other by attacking our neighbors. And ultimately, they want to take away much of what makes Minnesota the best place in America to raise a family. They’ve already begun by taking our tax dollars that were meant to help families afford child care. And they have no intention of stopping there.

Walz then claimed that the Minnesota government has looked into the cases of fraud.

Make no mistake: We should be concerned about fraud in our state government. We cannot effectively deliver programs and services if we can’t earn the public’s trust. That’s why, over the past few years, we’ve made systemic changes to the way we do business.

“We’ve gone to the legislature time and again to get more tools to combat fraud. We’ve fired people who weren’t doing their jobs. We’ve seen people go to jail for stealing from our state. We’ve cut off whole streams of funding, in partnerships with the federal government, where we saw widespread criminal activity. We’ve put new locks on the doors of our remaining programs, and we’ve hired a new head of program integrity to make sure those locks can’t be broken.

He later explained how he decided to rethink running for governorship a third time over the holiday season.

Minnesota has to come first – always.

Today, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make Minnesota the best place to live and raise kids.

I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work.

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) January 5, 2026

But as I reflected on this moment with my family and my team over the holidays, I came to the conclusion that I can’t give a political campaign my all. Every minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who prey on our differences.

So I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work.

Walz stated that he was “passing on the race with zero sadness and zero regret.”

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.

Are we getting closer to human-like robots among us?

A report by Interesting Engineering noted that scientists in China have created a “neuromorphic electronic skin.”

The purpose of this skin? It will allow robots to be able to experience touch, identify when an injury takes place and allow the machine to “respond to harmful contact with rapid, reflex-like movements…”

If you weren’t sure how quickly artificial intelligence was evolving before, imagine what it will be capable of in the near future.

According to the report, this electronic skin is based on the human nervous system. It can help the robot determine whether an incoming interaction is harmful by using an “e-skin” or an “NRE-skin,” which transmits pulse signals comparable to those of human nerves. This skin is also composed of four distinct layers. When the robot comes into contact with something a “high-voltage signal is sent directly to the robot’s motors…”

As Scripture warns, the end times would be marked by an unprecedented increase of knowledge (Dan. 12:4), and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence appears to be a striking reflection of that prophecy unfolding in real time. Technologies once confined to science fiction—machines that can “feel,” react and mimic human biological systems—are now becoming reality.

To order James Lasher’s new book, The Revelation of Jesus, visit .

This technological surge also invites reflection on the coming Antichrist and the beast system described in Revelation. A global infrastructure capable of monitoring, responding, and enforcing control would require intelligent, adaptive systems far beyond what previous generations could imagine.

As AI becomes more autonomous and integrated into daily life, this is a reminder to use godly spiritual discernment in an age when deception may feel increasingly “alive.”

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.

As we step into 2026, the number 26 carries powerful significance that cannot be ignored.

“Numbers are important in the Bible,” Rabbi Jason Sobel says in a recent video. He reminds viewers that 26 carries profound meaning because it is the numerical value of God’s divine name, Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey. Yod is 10, Hey is 5, Vav is 6 and Hey is 5—together totaling 26. This number is more than a symbol; it represents God’s revealed presence, covenantal faithfulness and active involvement in our lives. “The divine name is about presence,” Sobel explains.

In Scripture, names are revealed when relationships deepen, and destinies unfold. God first revealed His name to Moses at the burning bush in the 26th generation from Adam. “Moses wasn’t seeking promotion,” Sobel points out. “He was tending sheep. Identity comes before destiny. Resistance often follows revelation.” This prophetic pattern reminds us that 2026 is meant to be a year of definition—clarity about who God is, who we are and who we are meant to become.

To order Amanda Grace’s new book, Brace For Impact, visit .

Hebrews 12:2, the only verse in the New Testament that adds up to 2026 in Greek, calls us to focus on Jesus: “Looking unto Yeshua, the author and perfecter of our faith…” Here, Sobel emphasizes, “Focus on Him, Yeshua, who is the embodiment of the divine name of the Yud-He-Vav-He and 2026.”

This is a year to seek God’s presence above all else and align ourselves with His calling.

But 2026 is not only about revelation—it’s about weight. The Hebrew word for glory, kavod also equals 26. “God wants you to prophetically carry His weight,” Sobel declares.

True glory is not about fame or applause; it is substance over spectacle, endurance over immediacy. “Light things attract attention,” he warns, “but heavy things shape history.” God is calling reformers and revivalists, those who will bear His name faithfully and carry His presence into the world.

Sobel reminds us that glory manifests where pressure does not collapse integrity: “Before increase comes, density is required. Before authority is given, gravity has to be formed.” This is the essence of spiritual weight—discipline, consistency and accountability. “Most people will never encounter the glory of God until they first experience the goodness of God.”

2026 is a season to go from calling on God’s name to carrying His name. God is raising up modern-day Moseses—individuals who will be “weighty in the spirit,” walking in integrity, endurance and spiritual substance. As Sobel points out, it is a year of repositioning, realignment, revelation, renewal and revival.

This new year, the challenge is clear: seek God’s presence above all else, carry His weight and allow His glory to define and refine you. “Call upon His name so you can carry His name. Carrying His name means carrying His kavod, carrying His glory. God wants to make you weighty. He wants to make you fat in the spirit,” Sobel exhorts.

Let 2026 be a year where revelation meets responsibility, where presence leads to glory and where we rise as weighty carriers of God’s manifest presence.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.

Would you follow if a prophetic dream called you to action?

Through a series of prophetic dreams and confirmations, Rabbi Kirt Schneider explained how his path 2026 path has been shifted. In a dream, he saw himself on the cover of a magazine, identical to how he looked before 2019—without his peyos, which is a hairstyle worn by some Orthodox Jewish men.

The content inside the magazine focused on lifting people up with wisdom, knowledge and clarity, hinting at new ways God wanted to use him: “Inside it was a mixture of science and entertainment and math and information… bringing people up to a higher level of clarity. I knew that somehow I was connected to that theme.”

Wondering what he should do, Schneider received unexpected confirmation when his oldest daughter, Alyssa, shared a dream she had that night: “I dream that you didn’t have peyos anymore.” The alignment of both dreams left no doubt in his heart that God was calling him to step into a new season of ministry.

“I grew my peyos because I wanted to make a statement unto the Lord in the earth that Jesus is the most Jewish form of spirituality on the planet,” he explained. His decision was not merely cultural; it was prophetic, signaling that authentic Jewish spirituality finds its fulfillment in following Jesus.

Now, as he prepared to cut them off, he reflected on the biblical principle of costly obedience. “I’m not going to offer to the Lord that which cost me nothing,” he recalled from 1 Chronicles.

With a heart of faith and surrender, Schneider recognized that God’s new promises are better than what we leave behind. “If we’re going to enter into the new thing, we have to let go of the old thing,” he said.

This act marks not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new one—a season where obedience, faith and divine opportunity intersect. “Let’s believe the new thing. The new thing is always better and greater than the old thing.”

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.

Are we seeing the viral “6-7” trend finally on its last leg?

In a new report by the Daily Mail, it was noted how a group of experts from Lake Superior State University has published their 50th “Banished Words List.”

At the top of this year’s list is none other than “6-7,” which became the word of the year in 2025 because of the craze the next generation has taken to it, chanting the numbers repeatedly.

The trend took off with the song “Doot Doot” by rapper Skrilla, which has demonic roots tied to Skrilla’s commitment to Santeria and witchcraft. This uncanny trend has taken the world by storm, finding it most challenging to contain within the classroom setting.

To order Jenny Weaver’s new book, The Wicked World of Witchcraft, visit .

As the outlet noted, teachers have already had to implement policies banning the phrase in the classroom because of how out of control children have become with it.

The sudden pushback against the “6-7” trend serves as a sobering reminder that not everything popular is harmless. What we allow to echo through our minds, our homes and our classrooms matters. Scripture warns that what we meditate on ultimately shapes who we become, and trends rooted in darkness—no matter how playful they appear on the surface—can subtly influence attitudes, behaviors and spiritual sensitivity.

This moment is a clear call to discernment. The Bible urges us to guard our hearts, for from them flow the issues of life (Prov. 4:23). As the “6-7” phenomenon fades, it offers an opportunity for parents, educators and the church to have deeper conversations about spiritual awareness and responsibility in a digital age.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.

Now that we are at the start of a new year, one of the big questions we must answer is this: Will we be strong and courageous when God calls us into new territory?

In a powerful message, Pastor Jack Hibbs delivered a faith-filled word that set the tone for 2026: Christians must reject fear, resist spiritual complacency, and fully trust God’s promises.

The message, rooted in Numbers 13, challenges Christians to choose whether they would enter the new year with the mindset of Joshua and Caleb—or remain stuck in the wilderness like the other 10 spies who allowed fear to override faith.

Reflecting on a private email he had sent to staff, Hibbs revealed a burden he sensed during early morning prayer: “I sensed strongly that 2026 must be a year that we as individuals, as well as a staff, focus hard on being more like Mary and less like Martha.” He emphasized that private devotion must precede public ministry, warning that busyness without intimacy leads to spiritual dryness.

To order Amanda Grace’s new book, Brace For Impact, visit .

Quoting Jesus’ words to the church in Laodicea, he cautioned against lukewarm faith: “Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” He added, “We are a very blessed church, but we could wind up ruining everything by becoming more like a Martha.”

Turning to Numbers 13, Hibbs then unpacked the familiar story of the 12 spies sent to survey the promised land. Although all agreed that the land was exactly as God promised—“flowing with milk and honey”—10 spies focused on the giants rather than on the promise.

“They said, ‘We were like grasshoppers in our own sight,’” he noted. “But the giants never said that. The spies said it to themselves.”

Only Joshua and Caleb saw beyond the opposition. “The land is awesome. Look at the evidence,” Hibbs pointed out. “Let’s do what God says.”

Hibbs further explained why we need to look to Jesus above all other things: He does what we cannot do. “You’re not the deliverer. God’s going to be the are no giants bigger than God,” he declared. “That ain’t going to happen.”

He gave a clear call to action, for people to turn away from fear: “I refuse to be a grasshopper before giants,” he said. “I will be a follower of Christ… and whatever comes into my line of sight as I follow Him—that’s God’s business.”

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.

As we begin 2026, entrepreneurs and ministry leaders alike are seeking divine strategies for growth. In a recent message, Kap Chatfield revealed a powerful truth: your business—and even your ministry—is designed to operate as part of God’s kingdom agenda.

“Some of you might say, ‘Well, I don’t really have a business. I have a ministry.’ Well, did you know that the ministry is actually the Father’s business?” he shared. “So, you do have a business. In fact, when Jesus was doing ministry, His ministry required a treasury.”

For those who have poured effort into their work but still feel stuck, Chatfield’s message hits home. He reflects on his own struggles, sharing, “I was a failing entrepreneur. Everything in my life was falling apart.” It was in this low season that God delivered a revelation: Matthew 6:33 had been misunderstood. “Kap, you’ve had Matthew 6:33 backwards this whole time,” God told him. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these other things will be added unto you.”

To pre-order Kap Chatfield’s new book, The Power to Prosper, visit .

This principle became the foundation for Chatfield’s breakthrough. He explains, “You have believed in worldly wisdom that in order for you to earn the right to actually step into your assignment, you’ve got to get all your ducks in a row first. It’s the other way around. Seek first the kingdom of God, and then all these other things are going to get added unto you.”

He draws on Luke 5 to illustrate the power of surrender. Peter, fishing all night without catching anything, allowed Jesus to use his boat as a platform for ministry. “There’s a big difference between your business being available to God and your business being surrendered to God,” Chatfield said. When Peter obeyed, the miraculous happened: “Nevertheless, at Your word, I will let down the net. And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their net was breaking.”

Ultimately, surrendering your business to God’s purposes allows Him to multiply it beyond what human effort can achieve. “If you build the thing that [God cares] about, [He will] build the thing that you care about,” Chatfield emphasizes. By aligning your work with God’s mission, your business becomes a vessel for kingdom impact, attracting provision and favor.

Chatfield also challenges business leaders to overcome fear and hesitation. “Most entrepreneurs don’t realize that the only thing holding you back from being obedient is fear. Fear of what people will think, fear of what they’re going to say if I use my platform for God.” Yet, when leaders step out in faith, God’s blessing overflows, impacting others and expanding influence.

He also left encouragement for those ready to yield their platforms: “If you would be willing to just lend Him your boat this year and say, ‘God, use it however you want to use it to get the word out as an amplification device for the gospel,’ you will experience the biggest breakthrough for your business.”

Put God first, surrender your work to His purposes and watch Him multiply your influence, resources and impact.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.

As we step into 2026, many people are seeking a deeper connection with God that goes beyond the routine of church services and daily devotions. On her latest podcast, Lisa Bevere shared a message on how to shift your spiritual life this year through the power of fasting.

Bevere’s own journey with fasting was born from struggle. “I had an eating disorder from the time I was 15 until the time I was 22,” she recounts. After becoming a Christian, her unhealthy patterns shifted but did not disappear. Overeating replaced her previous dieting, and frustration with her body led to anger at God. That is, until she heard a life-changing word from the Lord: “Your weight is an idol to you, Lisa.”

Through repentance and obedience, Bevere discovered that fasting is not simply a diet. “A diet changes the way you look, but a fast changes the way you see,” she explains. Fasting, she says, is a spiritual reset—a way to discipline the soul, clarify priorities and create room to hear God’s voice. Bevere emphasizes that fasting is not about deprivation but about devotion.

The Bible offers numerous examples of fasting as a tool for spiritual awakening. Bevere points to the story of Nineveh in Jonah: “The people of Nineveh believed God and proclaimed a fast… and God said, ‘I’ve heard their cry. I’ve seen them humble themselves.’” Fasting, in this sense, is not about making God change His mind—it is about aligning ourselves with His will and becoming receptive to His guidance.

Fasting also serves a higher purpose beyond personal growth. Bevere draws on Esther’s example: fasting in preparation for intercession and action. “When we fast, we are actually setting aside time for our King,” she says. “We’re preparing a banquet, saying, ‘God, I want you more than my daily bread.’” The discipline of fasting fosters a heart of compassion that breaks chains all around us.

Practical application is key. Bevere encourages starting small: a single meal, limiting social media, or abstaining from entertainment that distracts from God’s presence. The goal is not guilt but grace. “If you say, ‘All right, God, I’m going to start small and believe big,’ God will work with you on that,” she notes.

The benefits are tangible. Fasting increases capacity for God, sharpens discernment and can lead to spiritual breakthroughs. Isaiah 58 promises that when done rightly, “Your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear…You will cry for help and He will say, ‘Here I am.’”

In 2026, Bevere’s challenge is clear: fast not for appearance, but to hear God more clearly, to intercede for others and to experience transformation. Fasting is ultimately about realigning our hearts with God, cultivating spiritual hunger and living fully in His presence.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.

Franklin Graham is sharing the profound reason why the next generation has found themselves taking a spot in the pews again.

In an interview with Fox News and shared to X, the Rev. Franklin Graham explained why a sudden resurgence of Gen Z and Millennials in the church is taking place right now.

“I think it’s socialism,” Graham said. “I think that Gen Z and Millennials have been fed the lie of socialism, and socialism is basically anti-God.”

.@FoxNews asked my thoughts about a resurgence in church attendance and interest in the Bible. I think Gen Z and Millennials have been fed the lie of anti-God socialism and they are looking for truth.

— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) December 29, 2025

Graham believes that because of this push of secularism, young people are now asking themselves deeper questions, pondering on what life might truly be all about.

“Yes, they’re going to church, but Bible sales are up. So, they’re buying Bibles, they’re reading for themselves, they’re going to church….” he continued. Graham also believes Charlie Kirk’s assassination is a major factor in contributing to the spiritual hunger that people are having for something deeper and more meaningful.

“I think people are wanting to know the truth. And that’s the thing: Charlie was teaching truth, and I think people want to know the truth. They’ve listened to lies and lies and lies from their university professors and those coming out of the Department of Education. I think they’re wanting to know the truth,” Graham said.

Disillusioned with empty promises and hungry for truth, young people are opening their Bibles, returning to church and searching for something eternal. In a generation weary of lies, the renewed pursuit of God may signal that the next great move of the Holy Spirit is already underway.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.

Is President Trump a Christian?

In an interview with The New York Times, Marjorie Taylor Greene claimed that the president “does not have any faith.”

Speaking about Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, Greene said that Trump’s comments during the event showed character traits contrary to true Christianity.

During the service, Trump said: “[Charlie Kirk] did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponents, and I don’t want the best for them.”

Greene commented to the New York Times on this, writing, “That was absolutely the worst statement. It just shows where his heart is. And that’s the difference, with [ Erika Kirk] having a sincere Christian faith, and proves that he does not have any faith.”

Greene further stated that Trump has taught others to “…just keep pummeling your enemies, no matter what. And as a Christian, I don’t believe in doing that. I agree with Erika Kirk, who did the hardest thing possible and said it out loud.”

Greene’s claims are not the only ones in question right now concerning the president’s faith. Former Scientologist and actress Leah Remini responded to a post by media personality Erick Erickson on X which read, “Lot of Scientologists hanging out in the President’s orbit lately.” Remini responded by saying, “Yes, this is accurate, Erick, and very scary.”

Yes, this is accurate, Erick, and very scary.

Thank you for always being aware of the dangers of Scientology and their successful infiltration of the Trump administration and the federal government overall.

— Leah Remini (@LeahRemini) December 30, 2025

While the two did not name exactly who they were speaking of, Mediaite reports that the president appointed Patricia Duggan as a member of the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees earlier in the year. The outlet also noted that Scientologist church member and real estate developer Grant Cardone was a speaker at Trump’s 2024 Madison Square Garden rally.

While these claims are just that—claims—we should use any allegation we hear like this as a chance to pray for the president. We should pray that God would surround him with the correct people who will lead him to Christ and help strengthen him to know Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.