# Truce Between Israel/Hamas, Biden’s Climate Woes, & DeSantis/Newsom Debate

An episode of [Pray News](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1697158801), 28 Nov 2023, 14 min.

Audio: https://podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/ce9a673d-e313-4c0a-9df4-b4d6010c32c6/a54ce781-28c2-4a21-9add-b4d6014e1598/audio.mp3?utm_source=Podcast&in_playlist=992944cf-642c-431f-a11e-b4d6010c32cd

This is Pray News: Daily News, Faith Hope. A daily news podcast with a biblical perspective. Listen to today's news episode and beacon of hope in the stormy seas of current news events. Sign up for the Pray News newsletter, and start your day closer to God. Go to Pray News and sign up today. Today’s Good News at a Glance: • Progress towards a peaceful exchange of hostages continues between Israel and Hamas. • Biden will be absent during the UN Climate Summit, sparking rage from climate activists and reflection from us. • DeSantis and Newsom are set to debate on Thursday, but it’s more of a debate around ideas than for office. Pray News is your number 1 source for the top conservative news given to you daily. Download the Pray.com app and make prayer a priority in your life. Watch and listen to inspiring sermons, dramatized Bible stories, and relaxing Bedtime Bible Stories at Pray.com, the digital destination for faith. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

## Transcript

[0:00] Speaker 1: The incessant prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.
[0:04] Speaker 1: James 5.16 Heavenly Father, we humbly come before you. We
[0:10] Speaker 1: lift up the crises that grip our world, conflicts, injustices, suffering,
[0:14] Speaker 1: and pain. May our prayers be a force for change,
[0:18] Speaker 1: a call for your intervention, and a vessel of your
[0:21] Speaker 1: peace and healing. Strengthen us to pray fervently and faithfully.
[0:26] Speaker 1: Trusting in the power of your love and the mercy
[0:29] Speaker 1: to transform and heal our broken world. In Jesus' name
[0:33] Speaker 1: we pray. Amen. Welcome to Pray News, where hope is
[0:37] Speaker 1: our only bias. Today's news at a glance, progress towards
[0:40] Speaker 1: a peaceful exchange of hostages continues between Israel and Hamas.
[0:45] Speaker 1: Biden will be absent during the UN Climate Summit, sparking
[0:48] Speaker 1: rage from climate activists and reflection from us. And DeSantis
[0:53] Speaker 1: and Newsom are set to debate on Thursday. But it's
[0:56] Speaker 1: more of a debate around ideas than for office. In
[1:00] Speaker 1: times of crisis, it's easy to feel hopeless. But remember,
[1:03] Speaker 1: our prayers are powerful and effective. Just look at what's
[1:07] Speaker 1: happening right now in Israel with Hamas. Each prayer is
[1:10] Speaker 1: a ripple in the vast ocean of human consciousness, a
[1:13] Speaker 1: plea for change, and an instrument of God's peace. When
[1:17] Speaker 1: we pray for the world's crises, we join our chorus
[1:20] Speaker 1: of voices seeking divine intervention, justice, and healing. Your prayers matter.
[1:26] Speaker 1: They bring light to dark places and comfort to those
[1:28] Speaker 1: in pain. Never underestimate that power. The power of prayer
[1:32] Speaker 1: to move mountains and bring about change in a world
[1:35] Speaker 1: that desperately needs it. Keep praying, folks. Keep believing and
[1:39] Speaker 1: keep hoping. We're glad you're here. We pray today's take
[1:42] Speaker 1: on the news leaves you informed and transformed. If Pray
[1:46] Speaker 1: News has blessed you, consider leaving a review. We would
[1:49] Speaker 1: love to hear how it's affected your life. Before we
[1:52] Speaker 1: get to today's first story, let's hear a word from
[1:54] Speaker 1: these sponsors. In a significant development, Hamas has handed over
[1:59] Speaker 1: more hostages to the Red Cross, marking a crucial step
[2:03] Speaker 1: in the ongoing negotiations to extend a truce with Israel.
[2:07] Speaker 1: This exchange comes as a glimmer of hope in a
[2:09] Speaker 1: region long torn by conflict, offering a rare moment of
[2:13] Speaker 1: reprieve and a potential progress towards peace. The latest group
[2:17] Speaker 1: of freed captives includes 14 Israelis and three Thai citizens.
[2:21] Speaker 1: Among them, the release of a four-year-old U.S. Israeli girl,
[2:24] Speaker 1: Abigail Moore-Edan, whose parents were tragically killed on October 7th
[2:29] Speaker 1: by Hamas. President Biden's words, thank God she's home, resonate
[2:33] Speaker 1: deeply with the sentiments of many. Israel released 39 Palestinian
[2:37] Speaker 1: prisoners in exchange for the hostages. This move is part
[2:40] Speaker 1: of a ceasefire agreement, which has, so far, been successfully
[2:44] Speaker 1: upheld for three days. Negotiated by Qatar and Egypt, the
[2:48] Speaker 1: four-day agreement involves the release of 50 Israeli hostages in
[2:52] Speaker 1: exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners. A humanitarian aspect is also
[2:57] Speaker 1: integral to this deal, with Israel committing to allow essential
[3:00] Speaker 1: aid into the Gaza Strip. With the original agreement nearing
[3:04] Speaker 1: its conclusion, efforts are now focused on prolonging the ceasefire.
[3:08] Speaker 1: Both U.S. and Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,
[3:12] Speaker 1: have expressed a desire to extend this period of peace.
[3:16] Speaker 1: The U.S. has outlined a strategy aimed at furthering two
[3:19] Speaker 1: main objectives, securing the release of more hostages, including American citizens,
[3:24] Speaker 1: and ensuring civilian safety. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized
[3:29] Speaker 1: the importance of extending the ceasefire for these purposes. Talks
[3:34] Speaker 1: led by Qatar and Egypt are underway to extend the
[3:37] Speaker 1: initial agreement, potentially by another four days. These discussions include
[3:42] Speaker 1: the potential release of more hostages, prioritizing women, children, and
[3:45] Speaker 1: the elderly. Despite the successes so far, the truce remains delicate.
[3:50] Speaker 1: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under both domestic and international pressure,
[3:55] Speaker 1: faces the complex task of balancing the demands of the
[3:58] Speaker 1: continued military operations with the urgent need for peace and
[4:02] Speaker 1: humanitarian aid, not to mention global pressure. As we witness
[4:06] Speaker 1: these unfolding events, it's essential to remember the Christian call
[4:09] Speaker 1: to peace and reconciliation. The Bible teaches us the value
[4:13] Speaker 1: of every human life, and the power of forgiveness, and
[4:15] Speaker 1: the dialogue in resolving conflict. In Matthew 5-9, Jesus said,
[4:19] Speaker 1: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the
[4:21] Speaker 1: children of God. This moment serves as a reminder of
[4:24] Speaker 1: our responsibility to pursue peace and to pray for those
[4:27] Speaker 1: in positions of power, that they may be guided by
[4:30] Speaker 1: wisdom and commitment to the sanctity of life. These negotiations
[4:34] Speaker 1: and release of the hostages are also a testament to prayer.
[4:37] Speaker 1: Since the moment Hamas attacked and Israel began its retaliation,
[4:40] Speaker 1: believers everywhere have prayed without ceasing that no more innocent
[4:44] Speaker 1: people would be harmed and that the hostages would be
[4:46] Speaker 1: set free. Slowly, we are seeing the hand of God move.
[4:50] Speaker 1: Continue to pray, brothers and sisters, and watch God move
[4:52] Speaker 1: in the midst of tragedy and brokenness. Let's pray. Dear Lord,
[4:57] Speaker 1: we thank you for the progress made in the negotiations
[4:59] Speaker 1: between Israel and Hamas. We ask for your continued guidance
[5:03] Speaker 1: in the delicate situation, praying for the wisdom of the
[5:05] Speaker 1: leaders and negotiations involved. May this truce be a step
[5:09] Speaker 1: towards lasting peace in the region, and may your hand
[5:11] Speaker 1: of protection be all over those affected by the conflict.
[5:15] Speaker 1: In Jesus' name, amen. President Biden, a notable figure in
[5:20] Speaker 1: the global climate change dialogue, has decided not to attend
[5:23] Speaker 1: the upcoming United Nations Climate Summit, the COP28, in Dubai.
[5:29] Speaker 1: This decision comes amidst a backdrop of various global crises,
[5:32] Speaker 1: including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The
[5:36] Speaker 1: UN Climate Summit, known as the Conference of the Parties,
[5:39] Speaker 1: is an annual event where world leaders, climate experts, and
[5:43] Speaker 1: activists gather to discuss and negotiate actions against climate change. COP28,
[5:48] Speaker 1: set to begin in Dubai, holds special significance as it
[5:51] Speaker 1: convenes in a time of urgent climate crises and escalating
[5:54] Speaker 1: global temperatures. President Biden's President Biden has been a vocal
[6:00] Speaker 1: advocate for addressing climate change, terming it the ultimate threat
[6:03] Speaker 1: to humanity. His commitment was evident in the attendance of
[6:06] Speaker 1: the past two summits and significant domestic policy moves like
[6:09] Speaker 1: the Inflation Reduction Act, which dedicated $ 370 billion to clean energy. However,
[6:15] Speaker 1: while Biden may believe that climate is the ultimate threat,
[6:18] Speaker 1: he certainly doesn't believe it's the most imminent threat since
[6:21] Speaker 1: there are other issues at hand in the Middle East
[6:23] Speaker 1: that he has to attend to. This story, if anything,
[6:25] Speaker 1: is a caution against hyperbole with climate change. When the
[6:28] Speaker 1: rubber meets the road, climate isn't the most existential crisis
[6:31] Speaker 1: for people, nor should it be for the president currently
[6:34] Speaker 1: negotiating the release of American hostages with a terrorist organization.
[6:39] Speaker 1: The reasons for Biden's absence are obvious and multifaceted. There
[6:43] Speaker 1: are pressing issues, including the conflict between Israel and Hamas
[6:46] Speaker 1: and the war in Ukraine, that have preoccupied the president.
[6:49] Speaker 1: This decision has unsurprisingly raised criticism from climate activists. The
[6:54] Speaker 1: summit is expected to review progress towards keeping global warming
[6:57] Speaker 1: within 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Despite efforts by
[7:02] Speaker 1: some nations, global emissions continue to rise, posing a significant
[7:05] Speaker 1: challenge to these goals. The U.S. in particular is likely
[7:09] Speaker 1: to face criticism for not fully honoring its commitments to
[7:11] Speaker 1: assist developing countries in their transition to clean energy. However,
[7:15] Speaker 1: the U.S. contribution to carbon emissions pales in comparison to China's,
[7:19] Speaker 1: an issue addressed in Biden's most recent meeting with China's
[7:22] Speaker 1: President Xi Jinping. John Kerry, the U.S. Special Envoy for Climate,
[7:26] Speaker 1: will attend the summit, underscoring continued U.S. engagement in the
[7:30] Speaker 1: global climate dialogue. Kerry's presence signifies the U.S. commitment, albeit
[7:34] Speaker 1: without its top leader. The necessity of world leaders like
[7:37] Speaker 1: President Biden at such summits is a matter of debate now.
[7:40] Speaker 1: Some argue their presence is just symbolic, lacking substantive outcomes,
[7:45] Speaker 1: while others believe their attendance is crucial for driving climate
[7:48] Speaker 1: action and commitments. As believers, we are called to be
[7:51] Speaker 1: stewards of God's creation, obviously. Acknowledging the health of the
[7:54] Speaker 1: planet is a part of the faithful stewardship that God
[7:57] Speaker 1: has called us to as his image bearers. The Bible
[7:59] Speaker 1: teaches us to care for the earth and to be
[8:01] Speaker 1: mindful of how our actions impact the environment and future generations. However,
[8:06] Speaker 1: while climate summits and high-profile meetings can raise awareness, there's
[8:10] Speaker 1: a growing concern that these events have become platforms for
[8:13] Speaker 1: political grandstanding rather than substantive policymaking. True progress in combating
[8:18] Speaker 1: climate change may not always come from grand declarations of
[8:21] Speaker 1: world leaders, but from the diligent, incremental work of individuals
[8:25] Speaker 1: and industries committed to sustainable practices. The Christian ethos values
[8:30] Speaker 1: the power of small, consistent actions guided by faith and commitment.
[8:33] Speaker 1: In the context of climate change, this translates to supporting
[8:37] Speaker 1: and encouraging grassroots movements, innovative technologies, and market-driven solutions. These efforts,
[8:42] Speaker 1: though they might seem small, accumulate over time to create
[8:45] Speaker 1: significant lasting impact. We ought to applaud disruptors in the
[8:48] Speaker 1: industry and inventors paving the way for a clearer future.
[8:52] Speaker 1: Politicians will always look for more opportunities to tell you
[8:54] Speaker 1: that they care about climate, just as they will attend
[8:57] Speaker 1: those church pancake breakfasts on the campaign trail. The key
[9:00] Speaker 1: for us is to see through it all and understand
[9:03] Speaker 1: the difference between vapid claims and actionable change. Let's pray. Lord,
[9:08] Speaker 1: we pray for wisdom and guidance for all leaders, including
[9:11] Speaker 1: President Biden and those attending the COP28. May their decisions
[9:15] Speaker 1: and actions reflect a deep commitment to stewarding your creation wisely,
[9:19] Speaker 1: without going too far as to be political grandstanders. Grant
[9:23] Speaker 1: them discernment to balance the many pressing issues they face,
[9:27] Speaker 1: not just climate, but global war. And inspire them to
[9:30] Speaker 1: work collaboratively, and inspire them to work together towards a
[9:34] Speaker 1: sustainable and peaceful world. In Jesus' name, amen. In an
[9:38] Speaker 1: event that is attracting significant national attention, two of America's
[9:42] Speaker 1: most prominent governors, Ron DeSantis of Florida and Gavin Newsom
[9:46] Speaker 1: of California, are set to engage in a high-profile debate.
[9:49] Speaker 1: This showdown, aptly titled DeSantis vs. Newsom, the Great Red vs.
[9:53] Speaker 1: Blue State Debate, is scheduled for Thursday in Georgia and
[9:56] Speaker 1: will be moderated by Fox News' Sean Hannity. Governors DeSantis
[10:02] Speaker 1: and Newsom, representing the Republican and Democratic parties, respectively, have
[10:07] Speaker 1: emerged as influential figures in their parties and nationally. Both
[10:11] Speaker 1: have been on the forefront of various contentious issues, with
[10:13] Speaker 1: their policies and leadership styles often reflecting the ideological divides
[10:17] Speaker 1: between their parties. Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of Florida,
[10:22] Speaker 1: has gained a reputation for his strong opposition to the
[10:25] Speaker 1: coronavirus pandemic restrictions. He has also been an outspoken critic
[10:29] Speaker 1: of what he perceives as an overreach by the federal
[10:31] Speaker 1: government and has positioned himself as a defender of conservative
[10:34] Speaker 1: values against the woke agenda. His approach to governance has
[10:38] Speaker 1: earned him considerable support within the Republican Party. Florida experienced
[10:42] Speaker 1: rapid growth and success during a time when most states
[10:45] Speaker 1: were hurting. DeSantis attributes this to applied conservative principles and,
[10:49] Speaker 1: a microcosm of what he can do for the nation
[10:51] Speaker 1: if elected as president. On the other side, Democratic Governor
[10:54] Speaker 1: Gavin Newsom of California has taken a notably different approach.
[10:58] Speaker 1: He has been critical of DeSantis' policies, particularly those related
[11:01] Speaker 1: to COVID-19 and social issues. Newsom has been vocal in
[11:05] Speaker 1: his support of progressive policies, and his governance style reflects
[11:09] Speaker 1: a commitment to those values. He is a high-profile surrogate
[11:12] Speaker 1: for President Biden and is viewed among the party as
[11:15] Speaker 1: a strong contender for the presidency in future elections. While
[11:19] Speaker 1: California is experiencing a low point for the lower middle
[11:22] Speaker 1: class citizens currently, it continues to be at the forefront
[11:25] Speaker 1: of the entertainment and tech industries. The debate, to be
[11:29] Speaker 1: hosted in a politically significant battleground state, presents as an
[11:33] Speaker 1: opportunity for both governors to articulate their visions and defend
[11:36] Speaker 1: their records. It offers a platform for an in-depth discussion
[11:39] Speaker 1: for their deferring approaches to governance and their visions for
[11:42] Speaker 1: the future of the United States. The debate is more
[11:46] Speaker 1: than just an exchange of ideas. It's a strategic play
[11:49] Speaker 1: for national visibility and influence within their respective parties. For DeSantis,
[11:53] Speaker 1: this event is relevant for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Newsom, meanwhile,
[11:59] Speaker 1: has been a high-profile supporter of President Biden, yet there
[12:02] Speaker 1: is ongoing speculation about his own political aspirations and the
[12:05] Speaker 1: possibility of him stepping in as Biden's replacement. Yet there's
[12:09] Speaker 1: a more metaphysical war of ideas taking place here. DeSantis
[12:13] Speaker 1: and Newsom represent two completely different approaches to governance, policy,
[12:17] Speaker 1: and values. They are two young, high-profile, and knowledgeable governors
[12:21] Speaker 1: of two powerful states on opposite sides of the country.
[12:25] Speaker 1: In many ways, they are avatars for the country at
[12:28] Speaker 1: the moment. Each of them come with compelling arguments, track records,
[12:31] Speaker 1: and claims. The tension between them represents the tension the
[12:35] Speaker 1: country is currently experiencing. This is also a debate that
[12:38] Speaker 1: the country very well may be robbed of if Trump
[12:41] Speaker 1: and Biden are the respective nominees for the presidential election.
[12:45] Speaker 1: Neither have expressed any intention to put their ideas and
[12:48] Speaker 1: vision for the future to the test in a battle
[12:50] Speaker 1: of ideas and debate. They will, instead, rely on party
[12:53] Speaker 1: loyalty and smear campaigns. Polls are showing that it isn't
[12:56] Speaker 1: likely DeSantis or Newsom will be elected president in 2024.
[13:00] Speaker 1: but we can respect their willingness to have their ideas
[13:03] Speaker 1: and dreams for the country tested in debate. As believers,
[13:06] Speaker 1: it's essential to approach such political events with discernment and
[13:09] Speaker 1: prayerful consideration. The Bible teaches us to respect governing authorities
[13:12] Speaker 1: and to pray for our leaders irrespective of their personal
[13:15] Speaker 1: political leanings. This debate is a reminder of the importance
[13:18] Speaker 1: of informed engagement in civic matters and the need for
[13:21] Speaker 1: wisdom and grace in discussions about governance and leadership. Christians
[13:25] Speaker 1: are encouraged to see God's guidance and understanding in the
[13:27] Speaker 1: complexities of political issues ought to be debated about so
[13:31] Speaker 1: let's pray for God's will to be done in leadership
[13:35] Speaker 1: Heavenly Father we come before you asking for wisdom and
[13:38] Speaker 1: understanding for both Governor DeSantis and Governor Newsom as they
[13:41] Speaker 1: prepare for their upcoming debate guide them to speak truthfully
[13:44] Speaker 1: and thoughtfully respecting each other despite their differences may this
[13:47] Speaker 1: event foster constructive dialogue and offer clarity to the public
[13:51] Speaker 1: on important issues facing our nation we pray for peace
[13:54] Speaker 1: and unity of our country trusting in your sovereign plan
[13:57] Speaker 1: for our leaders and our people In Jesus' name, amen.
[14:01] Speaker 1: Thank you for joining us today on Pray News. It
[14:03] Speaker 1: is our aim to be informed and transformed. We pray
[14:06] Speaker 1: today you would proceed with hope, love, and determination to
[14:08] Speaker 1: be a force for good. If you've enjoyed this take
[14:10] Speaker 1: on the news, consider writing us a review. You can
[14:13] Speaker 1: sign up for our newsletter at PrayNews.com and be sure
[14:15] Speaker 1: to download the Pray.com app to make prayer a priority
[14:18] Speaker 1: in your life and experience the Bible in new, exciting ways.
[14:21] Speaker 1: God bless.

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