A Minnesota family is celebrating what they describe as a miracle after their 12-year-old daughter, Sophia Forchas, survived being shot in the head during a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on August 27.

Hennepin Healthcare, where she has been receiving treatment, released a statement from the Forchas family this week updating the public on her progress. “Sophia is winning! Your prayers are working,” the family said.

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Her parents added that the support they have received from around the world has been overwhelming. “We are humbled by the countless individuals across the globe who have lifted her up in prayer, including His All-Holiness Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” the family said. They also noted that “each day we uncover new revelations of moments and circumstances that kept her alive and made her recovery possible. God has heard our prayers and wrapped Sophia in His healing embrace.”

On the day of the shooting, Sophia underwent emergency surgery after a bullet became lodged in her head. Fr. Timothy Sas of St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, where the Forchas family are members, wrote that she endured a “long and difficult” operation. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Walt Galcich, later confirmed the extent of the damage caused by the bullet but also said there were encouraging signs as her condition began to improve.

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Now several weeks later, Sophia is preparing to leave acute care and begin an inpatient rehabilitation program. Her family explained, “Though she still has a long journey ahead filled with extensive therapy, her resilience continues to inspire hope at every step. Sophia is strong, brave and unwavering in her fight toward healing.”

The Forchas family also expressed gratitude for the dedication of hospital staff and the support of their church and school communities. “To our extended family, the Orthodox Church, our Annunciation school family, our friends and colleagues and the many strangers who have become prayer warriors for Sophia, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” the family said.

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Sophia’s mother, who works as a pediatric critical care nurse at Hennepin Healthcare, was on duty when she learned her daughter had been critically injured. A GoFundMe page established for the family revealed that Sophia’s younger brother was also present during the attack but was not physically harmed.

The shooting, carried out during the first Mass of the school year by identified gunman Robin Westman, left two children dead and 18 others wounded. Witnesses recalled chaos in the sanctuary as gunfire shattered stained-glass windows and parishioners shielded children from the attack.

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Even in the aftermath of tragedy, Sophia’s story has emerged as a testimony of courage and faith. In their most recent update, the Forchas family urged the community to continue praying, not only for Sophia but also for peace. “Please continue to pray. Pray for peace and when you pray, move your feet. Let us worship God together and walk forward in Faith, Hope and Love. Together, we can create a better tomorrow,” the family said.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.

Jesus warned that in the last days there would be “birth pains” that signal the coming of the end. Wars and rumors of wars, lawlessness, pestilence, and systems of control are not random but are signs that prophecy is unfolding before our eyes. Christians are told to stay awake, watch and discern the times. One of the clearest warnings is about a future system of global control that will strip people of their freedom and demand their compliance.

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In the United Kingdom, we are seeing the foundation for such a system being laid.

According to the Financial Times, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is “reportedly set to unveil plans for digital ID cards for Brits within days as part of his strategy to tackle illegal immigration.” The report notes the official rollout could be announced at the Labour Party conference beginning September 28.

This plan is not about immigration. It is about power. It would require every British national and lawful resident to obtain a digital ID stored on their phone and tied to their ability to work, rent a home and access essential services. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood revealed her position clearly: “My long-term personal political view has always been in favor of ID cards.” She boasted that such a system could “help with illegal working enforcement” and “deal with the pull factors that are making the UK a destination of choice.”

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Starmer himself defended the idea by saying, “We all carry a lot more digital ID now than we did 20 years ago.” That kind of reasoning attempts to normalize a dangerous precedent. A poll cited by More in Common found “over half of Brits supported a digital identification system, with 53% in favor. A fifth were against it.”

Public opinion is being steered to accept a policy that will be used to tighten control over people’s daily lives.

This is not a minor administrative change. It is the latest in a long line of moves toward the prophetic reality described in Revelation. The digital ID is nothing less than a tool for oppression. Here are just some of the dangers believers must recognize:

The Prophetic Dangers of Digital IDs

• Conditioning Toward the Mark of the Beast
  Revelation 13:16-17 warns of a time when no one will be able to “buy or sell” without the mark. Digital IDs tie basic rights like employment and housing to state approval, preparing society to accept exactly the kind of control Scripture warns us about.
• Total Surveillance and State Control
  By centralizing information about where you live, how you work, and what services you access, the government gains unprecedented control. Revelation 13:7 speaks of authority being given to the Antichrist over “every tribe, people, language and nation.” Systems like this make such global control possible.
• Global Integration and Loss of Sovereignty
  A national digital ID can quickly expand into an international one. Revelation 17:13 describes kings giving their power to one ruler. Digital ID systems are a step toward that prophesied unity under a single oppressive authority.
• Exclusion of the Non-Compliant
  Those who refuse to comply will be shut out of society. Revelation 20:4 says those who refused the mark were killed for their faith. While today’s consequences may begin with denial of work or housing, the prophetic pattern shows this system will grow harsher with time.
• False Security and Deception
  The policy is sold as safety and order, but 1 Thessalonians 5:3 warns, “When they say, ‘Peace and safety,’ then sudden destruction comes upon them.” Digital IDs are not peace and safety. They are the infrastructure of oppression dressed up as progress.

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This scheme should not cause Christians to shrink back in fear but to stand firm in discernment. Digital IDs are part of the growing web of control that mirrors the very systems Scripture warns about. We are not called to panic but to recognize these “birth pains” for what they are: signs pointing to the soon return of Christ.

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With eyes fixed on Jesus and hearts anchored in His Word, believers can live with confidence, courage and clarity in a world rushing toward the fulfillment of prophecy.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.

The Pentagon is set to convene an unusual meeting of top U.S. military commanders from across the globe in Virginia next week.

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“Multiple War Department officials confirmed to Fox News that top military commanders had been asked to fly to Virginia for a meeting next week, though the topic of the discussion is unclear,” the report stated.

The Pentagon confirmed the gathering but offered little clarity. “The Secretary of War will be addressing his senior military leaders early next week,” chief spokesperson Sean Parnell said.

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A meeting of this scope is highly unusual. According to Fox News, “around 800 generals and admirals are spread across the U.S. and world,” and such large-scale conferences would normally take place via secure video teleconference.

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The lack of details has sparked speculation, with some suggesting it may connect to War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s prior plans to cut senior leadership. “The lack of details surrounding the gathering has some fearing a looming purge,” Fox News reported.

Prophetic Times

We do not yet know what the true purpose of this unprecedented gathering will be. But what we do know is that we are living in days filled with historic and prophetic events. This meeting could very well carry immense significance behind it, both militarily and spiritually.

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Christians, we are called to watch, pray and discern the world around us through a biblical perspective. While the details remain hidden, we must remain vigilant, trusting that God has revealed in His Word the signs that point to the return of Jesus Christ.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.

Denmark has been rocked by a wave of mysterious drone incursions that forced multiple airports to shut down, raising fears of hybrid warfare and drawing Europe closer to the edge of conflict. In prophetic terms, Jesus warned that in the last days there would be “wars and rumors of wars.” What is happening now across Europe echoes that warning with chilling clarity.

Denmark Confronts Hybrid Threats

Overnight, drones were spotted near four airports, including Aalborg, Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and Skrydstrup. Aalborg, also a military base, was shut down for hours. Just two days earlier, Copenhagen Airport was forced into a four-hour lockdown after drones flew dangerously close to its runways.

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Danish leaders are considering invoking NATO Article 4, which calls for emergency talks when a member’s security is threatened. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard admitted the country is facing “hybrid threats which are here to stay.”

Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen added, “There can be no doubt that everything points to this being the work of a professional actor when we are talking about such a systematic operation in so many locations at virtually the same time. This is what I would define as a hybrid attack using different types of drones.”

Fear as a Weapon

Chaos is the goal. Cancelled flights, stranded travelers, and shuttered terminals create fear far beyond Denmark’s borders. As one defense expert explained, “Whether it be cyber attacks or flying drones over an airport, it creates an atmosphere of distrust, subversion, and sabotage very quickly and very rapidly.”

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These incidents show how easily daily life can be disrupted. They are not random. They are meant to test Europe’s resilience and spread anxiety across the continent.

Yet Scripture reminds us that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control” (2 Tim. 1:7 MEV). While the world trembles under the weight of uncertainty, believers are called to stand firm, refusing to be ruled by fear, and to walk in the strength and peace that come from the Lord.

A Pattern of Escalation

The drone incursions come on the heels of cyberattacks that crippled airports in London, Brussels, and Berlin. Security analyst Anthony Glees said, “Without doubt, the Russians are behind these attacks on airports in London, Berlin and Brussels.”

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Meanwhile, Russia has escalated its provocations with fighter jets violating Estonian airspace and military planes buzzing close to Poland’s energy platforms. Former President Donald Trump warned these actions could cause “big trouble.” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk went further, saying his country is closer to war “than at any time since the Second World War.”

Prophecy Unfolding

From drones to cyber warfare to airspace violations, the world is witnessing a growing storm of instability. Jesus foretold such days would come, saying, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must come to pass.”

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The fear spreading across Europe today is a reminder that prophecy is unfolding before our eyes in real time. These hybrid attacks are not only testing NATO but also shaking the confidence of nations. They serve as a call to readiness and a reminder to fix our hope not on governments or alliances, but on the return of Jesus.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.

On Sept. 8, Jezebel published an article describing how one of its writers hired witches on Etsy to cast curses on Charlie Kirk. The writer timed the ritual to the new moon in Virgo, paid extra to “amplify the energetic support,” and received a photograph of Kirk’s face burning in flames. Her first spell, written in all caps, declared: “MAKE EVERYONE HATE HIM.” Days later, on September 10, Charlie Kirk was gunned down.

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Megyn Kelly exposed the vile details on her program and condemned both Jezebel and Etsy. Jezebel later removed the article on the advice of lawyers, yet publicly stated they “stand by every word” and even suggested they may republish it. Their actions were unapologetic and defiant, showing no remorse for cursing a Christian husband and father of two.

A demonic act in plain sight

Jezebel’s publication and promotion of curses was an invocation of dark spiritual forces. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Their words were an attempt to call death, silence, and destruction over a man who devoted his life to speaking truth.

The Apostle Paul warned, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12). Jezebel invited witches to curse Charlie Kirk, and Etsy profited from it. This was demonic warfare carried out in the open against a servant of Christ.

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On the very day Charlie Kirk was killed, Megyn Kelly invited Father Mike Schmitz onto her program to address the danger of witchcraft. He explained that curses, Ouija boards, and rituals are entry points for demonic activity. He recalled true accounts of possession that began with what seemed like “innocent” acts of occult practice. His words underscored what the church has always taught: witchcraft is real, demons are real, and engaging with the occult gives the enemy ground.

The cruelty toward the Kirks

Erika Kirk, Charlie’s young wife, was deeply shaken when she and Charlie learned about the curses. She loved her husband and took seriously the biblical warnings about the power of darkness. The couple invited a priest friend into their home to pray over them the very night before Charlie’s death.

Erika later said she reminded herself of God’s promise that “weapons will form but not prosper.” She held fast to the truth that Satan and his witches have no ultimate authority over God’s will. Even so, Jezebel’s actions placed a cruel burden of fear and distress on a young family with two small children. Their actions revealed a hatred that targeted not only Charlie’s message but his marriage, his fatherhood, and his faith.

The biblical response

The Word of God calls Christians into active resistance in times of spiritual conflict:

• Ephesians 6:13 — Put on the full armor of God and stand firm.
• 2 Corinthians 10:5 — Take every thought captive to Christ.
• James 4:7 — Submit to God and resist the devil.
• 1 Peter 5:8–9 — Be sober and vigilant, resisting the adversary steadfast in the faith.

Charlie and Erika turned to prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with believers. That example stands for the church today. Christians are called to confront evil with the authority of Christ, standing firm in truth.

Naming evil with clarity

Megyn Kelly declared Jezebel vile and demanded that both Jezebel and Etsy be held accountable. She said Jezebel should close its doors and Etsy should stop hosting witchcraft. Both entities owe Erika Kirk and her family a direct apology for inviting curses upon them and for celebrating darkness.

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This was witchcraft aimed at a Christian leader, carried out in the open, and defended even after his death. Jezebel trafficked in the demonic, and Etsy turned it into a business transaction.

Hope in the victory of Christ

The Bible makes clear that the outcome of this battle has already been decided. James 4:7 declares the devil will flee when God’s people resist him. 1 John 4:4 proclaims, “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Hebrews affirms that Christ has destroyed the one who holds the power of death.

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Charlie Kirk’s murder was a devastating blow, but his faith and witness continue to shine. The schemes of the enemy cannot overcome the triumph of the cross. For Erica, her children, and for the church, the hope of Christ is stronger than any curse, stronger than any assassin’s bullet, and stronger than the hatred of Jezebel and its witches.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.

Jerry Jenkins, best known as the co-author of the Left Behind series, says the signs of the times are drawing believers closer to the reality of Christ’s return. In a recent Charisma Media interview, Jenkins reflected on prophecy, the legacy of his best-selling series and how Christians should respond to fear in light of global unrest.

“It’s really bizarre to see how much closer we seem to be getting until Jesus comes,” Jenkins said. “Every day we get closer. That’s just a fact. God has an entirely different economy of time than we do. To him a thousand years is as a day and a day is as a thousand years. And so for us we’re told to watch and wait for the imminent return. We’re supposed to be warning people to not be left behind. And we’re supposed to watch and wait as if it could be today.”

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The Left Behind series recently marked its 30th anniversary. More than 60 million copies have been sold, and Jenkins noted it still reaches readers decades later. “It’s hard to believe this month marks 30 years since the first Left Behind title came out and it’s still selling to this day around 10,000 units a month. It just blows my mind.”

With current events often sparking speculation about prophecy, Jenkins said the key is remembering Scripture’s call to readiness. “We’ve had wars and rumors of wars and nation rising against nation for centuries. What’s different about it now? The thing I have to remind myself is that God has an entirely different economy of time than we do. That word imminent has been there for 2,000 years plus. So what does that mean to be imminent? To us that seems like a long time. To God that seems like the present. A day is as a thousand years and vice versa.”

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Speculation about the Antichrist is common, but Jenkins cautioned against assuming it is any current political leader. “Whoever is in the White House, whichever party is in, the other side writes and says, ‘Is this the Antichrist?’ And it really doesn’t make any difference whether it’s a Republican or Democrat. You hear from the other side and they go, ‘This has got to be the Antichrist.’”

He added that prophecy is clear the Antichrist will initially be seen as perfect and even worshiped, something no modern politician could claim. “I guess it’s possible it could be somebody in who’s a master of technology, maybe entertainment. We don’t know. We do believe that it’s someone with Roman blood. I don’t see anybody on the scene right now who’s revered that way.”

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When asked about fear surrounding the end times, Jenkins spoke candidly. “I used to be a little more flippant in my answer about that and say, you know, we win in the end. Now, I happen to be a pre-tribber. I like to joke that I think pre-tribbers get to go first. But I also have very learned scholarly friends who are on the other end of the eschatology spectrum and say their mid-trib or their post-trib. The fact is we all agree Jesus said He was coming again and so we know He’s coming again. When that is, that’s not a sword I’m willing to fall on.”

Jenkins acknowledged the reality of suffering and persecution that many believers face in the world today. “When I see stories like I’m seeing out of the Middle East where people are being tortured for their faith and some murdered for their faith, that is a fearful thing. It’s not something I’d want to go through. But we can rest in the truth that in the end it will all turn out all right. Jesus will come back at some point and rescue us from this earth.”

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For Jenkins, the final word is not fear but trust. “Don’t be afraid. I mean, you may be afraid, but trust. Trust in the truth and the love of God.”

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.

For those watching the unfolding events in the Middle East, it is impossible to ignore how Israel remains the prophetic centerpiece of world history. The nation’s very existence, surrounded by enemies and yet enduring, testifies to God’s hand upon His people. Every development, whether political, spiritual, or military, echoes the ancient prophecies that describe Israel’s trials and triumphs leading up to the end of the age.

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On Sept. 23, CBN’s Jerusalem Dateline aired a special report titled “No State Left of Jordan,” featuring an in-depth conversation with legal scholar Alan Dershowitz. The program examined Israel two years after the Oct. 7 massacre and explored how terrorism, international politics, and Christian support are shaping the nation’s future.

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Key Takeaways

• Several Western nations, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, have moved to recognize a Palestinian state, a decision hailed by Hamas as a victory earned through their attacks.
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed at the United Nations that no Palestinian state will ever be established west of the Jordan River, warning that such recognition rewards terrorism.
• Legal experts in Israel warned that statehood would give Palestinians international access to weapons and open borders for jihadis worldwide, creating a far greater threat than October 7.
• Dershowitz argued that the international community has proven terrorism “works,” since Hamas achieved through violence what the Palestinian Authority could not achieve through diplomacy.
• He blamed major institutions—including the UN, mainstream media, and Western universities—for vilifying Israel and excusing Hamas, fueling a dangerous precedent for global terrorism.
• Rising antisemitism after October 7 was described as a long-simmering hatred that found new justification, particularly on campuses and in political movements.
• Christian support was highlighted as vital, with Dershowitz calling it a moral “Iron Dome” defending Israel when many others have abandoned her.
• Accusations of genocide were rejected, with data showing Israel’s civilian-to-combatant casualty ratio is among the lowest in modern warfare.
• The conflict was described as a “battle for truth,” with propaganda and lies threatening not just Israel but the future of Western civilization itself.
• Dershowitz concluded that Israel is the “canary in the mine.” If terrorism is rewarded there, it will spread globally, targeting churches, synagogues, and communities everywhere.

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We know that these events are not random. They align with the prophecies in the Bible that point to Israel as the timepiece of God’s plan. What we see today draws us nearer to the return of Jesus. Let us commit to pray for Israel’s leaders, the IDF soldiers, the hostages still in captivity and all who suffer from this war. Most importantly, let us discern the signs of the times remaining steadfast and living in readiness as the day of Jesus draws near.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.

It was the kind of moment no one ever wants to see on a baseball diamond. In the bottom of the sixth inning at Progressive Field, Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry squared to bunt against Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The pitch came blazing in at 99.1 miles per hour, veering up and in. It deflected off Fry’s bat and struck him directly in the face.

He dropped immediately, clutching his nose as the crowd gasped in horror. Skubal himself looked stunned, and the Tigers’ ace never recovered his composure in what became a disastrous inning.

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Trainers rushed to Fry’s side, and after tense moments on the field, he lifted his hand to give a thumbs-up — a gesture that told the fans he was conscious, even in the middle of such pain. Fry was carted off and taken to Cleveland’s Lutheran Medical Center. Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell was among those who publicly wished him well.

Yes, the Guardians rallied back for a 5-2 victory, tying Detroit atop the AL Central and securing the season tiebreaker. Yes, the team is on the verge of what could become the biggest divisional comeback in MLB history. But right now, the story isn’t about standings or history. It’s about a man who has never been shy about where his strength comes from — and why we should pray for him now.

David Fry has consistently pointed to his faith in God when asked about his success on the field. After a dramatic home run, he simply said, “All glory to God” in a post game interview. In the same report, he explained how he prayed after struggling early in a game: “I had a really bad first at bat … and I just told God, I said, ‘Take it, man. Just take the at bat.’”

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Movieguide covered another moment when Fry admitted to handing it all over to the Lord: “I just told God, ‘Hey man, take this. It’s a tough matchup. Just try to have fun and you take the at bat.’”

He’s also spoken candidly about staying calm under pressure. “I try to give it to God, and I’m just trying to have the slowest heartbeat I can. It’s tough in those situations to try to stay within yourself,” Fry revealed. As reported by ChurchLeaders, he previously shared a more personal reflection: “I trust God and know He has good things planned for me. I know He’s got me and I’m His handiwork.”

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That’s the David Fry we know. A ballplayer, yes, but also a believer who puts his hope in the Lord. And in a moment like this, when his season and perhaps his career hang in the balance, the right response is clear.

We need to pray. Pray for his healing, that the damage to his face is not as severe as it first appeared. Pray for wisdom for the doctors and staff treating him. Pray for peace and strength for his family as they wait by his side.

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The Guardians can keep chasing history on the field. But the people of Cleveland, and fans of the game across the country, have a more important task right now. David Fry has pointed us to God with his own words. Let’s honor that by lifting him up in prayer.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is far more than a calendar celebration. In Scripture it is called Yom Teruah, the Day of Blowing the Trumpets, and it marks a time of judgment and renewal. The central command is simple yet profound: to hear the sound of the shofar.

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The piercing blasts of the ram’s horn are meant to stir the heart toward repentance and reconciliation. Rabbis teach that making peace with God and others pushes back against the enemy. Many describe the sound as an alarm clock for the soul, awakening listeners to return to the Lord.

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The shofar itself carries deep symbolism. Traditionally made from a ram’s horn, it recalls the story of Abraham and Isaac, when God provided a ram in place of sacrifice. Other horns may be used, but not from a cow, so as not to recall Israel’s sin with the golden calf. Each horn requires careful craftsmanship, as every piece differs in size and thickness.

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During the month leading to Rosh Hashanah, the shofar is sounded daily in synagogues and at the Western Wall to give time for repentance. Historically, its blasts also marked the coronation of Israel’s kings, foreshadowing the future reign of the Messiah. For many Christians, the shofar points to the return of Jesus and the establishment of His kingdom.

The sound of the shofar is a reminder that now is the time to turn back to God, make things right, and live in expectation of what is to come.

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If you want to learn more about the meaning of the shofar, be sure to watch the video above.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.

From the earliest days of the church, the Bible has warned believers to stay alert against deception in the last days. Jesus cautioned in Matthew 24 that false prophets and teachers would arise, and Paul wrote that believers should not be “quickly shaken in mind or alarmed.” The doctrine of the Lord’s imminent return has been a source of hope for centuries, reminding the faithful to live ready for His coming at any moment. Yet in every generation, distractions and distortions creep in to dull that watchfulness.

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In a recent message, Pastor Allen DiDio addressed this challenge directly. Speaking on the growing noise around prophecy and speculation, he outlined what he believes are three major deceptions infiltrating the church today. “Having an understanding of imminence, it protects you. It transforms your discipleship life. It changes so many things about you. The enemy wants to corrupt it. He wants to dilute it,” DiDio said.

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Here are the three end-time deceptions DiDio identified:

1. Date-setting that denies imminence

DiDio warned that predicting specific dates for Christ’s return undermines the biblical teaching that Jesus could come at any moment. He pointed to speculation around September 23 as a prime example. “Anyone who predicts a date, anyone who predicts a date, they are chipping away at the foundation of imminence,” he said. If believers are convinced Christ is returning on a certain day, they no longer live with the expectancy that He could return now. That shift dulls urgency and readiness, leaving the church vulnerable.

2. Mockery and disillusionment after failed predictions

Failed prophecies and sensational claims can leave believers spiritually wounded, DiDio said. He cited a psychological pattern: “Expectation plus disconfirmation equals disillusionment.” When dates pass uneventfully, it breeds cynicism and even mockery of prophecy itself. “He knows repeated disappointment leads to cynicism, apathy, and ridicule,” DiDio said of the enemy. These attitudes are contagious and spread quickly in churches, robbing believers of faith and hope.

3. Extreme reactions that distort doctrine

The third deception, according to DiDio, is overcorrection. In rejecting false prophecy or errors about the rapture, some abandon or distort sound doctrine altogether. “Most of the people who are opposed to the concept of a pre-tribulational rapture have been moved in that position via emotion,” DiDio explained. He compared it to removing spiritual armor: “We are creating more error because we are leaving the church helmetless.” Instead of being anchored in the whole counsel of Scripture, believers swing to extremes that leave them open to deception.

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Despite the dangers, DiDio urged Christians not to abandon their hope. He emphasized that prophecy is a gift for the church’s encouragement, not confusion. “Always watching and always looking is not a distraction from the great commission that we’ve been given. It is an empowerment to the great commission,” he said.

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DiDio closed by reminding believers that the call is not to chase speculation but to stay rooted in Scripture, to hold fast to the promise of Christ’s return, and to let that hope shape holy and watchful lives.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.