Astronaut Returns, Trump Fraud, & Netflix DVDs

Today’s News at a Glance:

1. A NASA astronaut stuck in space for over a year has finally returned!

2. A New York Judge has ruled that Trump committed fraud to get ahead in real estate.

3. We officially say goodbye to something we all thought was gone years ago…

Today, we’d love the opportunity to remind you that there are things more important than success. Sure, we all need to provide for ourselves and our families. And, of course, it’s fulfilling to work hard and devote yourself to something meaningful. But nobody at the end of their lives ever wished they had climbed the ladder one more rung or had more money to buy those few more things. Usually, when we are at our most reflective and vulnerable, we know deep down that the people in our lives and the relationships we’ve built are most important. The Lord wants to use you to impact the people around you. The impact you have will have aa ripple effect that goes beyond the title you hold, money you made, or property you own.

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

Heavenly Father,
In a world so focused on material gain and external success, help us to remember what truly matters. Redirect our aims and ambitions toward the well-being of our souls, and not just the accumulation of earthly treasures. Guide us in our decisions and priorities, so that we may honor You with the choices we make. Grant us the wisdom to understand the imperishable value of a soul in right relationship with You. Thank you for reminding us that our ultimate worth is not measured by what we possess, but by who we are in You. May we live our lives in such a way that reflects this profound truth. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, we pray. Amen.

Smaller Bites:

Here’s today’s news: cut short and sweet with a prayer…

1.  NASA Astronaut Returns to Earth After Record-Setting Year in Space
NASA astronaut Frank Rubio returned to Earth after a record-breaking 371 days aboard the International Space Station, six months longer than originally planned due to a micrometeorite damaging his return ship. His extended stay not only set the record for the longest spaceflight by an American but also contributed to vital research on heart health and food production in space. While Rubio's accomplishments were significant, he expressed regret for missing key family milestones and looks forward to returning to a quieter life.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the safe return of Frank Rubio and for the advances in space exploration that contribute to our understanding of Your universe. Grant us the wisdom to balance our professional pursuits with the love and time we give to our families. Remind us always of the irreplaceable value of relationships and the love we share with those closest to us. Amen.

2. Judge Rules Trump Committed Fraud in Building Real Estate Empire

New York Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that former U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in fraudulent practices in his real estate business, leading to the rescindment of some of his business licenses in New York State. The ruling comes in response to a civil lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who seeks up to $250 million in penalties. The decision has sparked debate over its implications on Trump's political future and other ongoing legal battles, with both supporters and critics of Trump questioning the motives and merits of the case.

Heavenly Father, we pray for wisdom and integrity in our leaders and judicial systems. Guide us to uphold truth and justice as cornerstones of our society, as described in Your word. Help us to speak constructively, encouraging what is right and just, and give us the grace to maintain civility in the midst of contentious issues. Amen.

3. So Long, Red Envelopes: The Quiet Death of Netflix’s DVD Service

Netflix's iconic DVD-by-mail service, which once revolutionized home entertainment, is finally shutting down. Over the years, the service shipped a billion DVDs and introduced many to binge-watching, all while using cutting-edge technology for warehouse automation and quality control. The profits from the DVD service essentially funded Netflix's transition into a global streaming giant, signaling the end of one technological era and the rise of another.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the simple joys and innovations that come our way, like Netflix's DVD service that brought entertainment and happiness into many homes. As we navigate changes in technology and in life, remind us that "to everything there is a season." Help us to savor past blessings and to embrace new opportunities as part of Your greater plan. Amen.

NASA Astronaut Returns to Earth After Record-Setting Year in Space

Frank Rubio, a NASA astronaut, has become a modern-day Odysseus, albeit one who traded the tumultuous seas for the uncharted waters of outer space. After 371 days aboard the International Space Station, Rubio has finally returned to Earth. And like the ancient Greek hero, Rubio too was unexpectedly detained, in his case, an extra six months due to a micrometeorite puncturing his Russian-made return ship.

An Unplanned Odyssey
Having originally been slated to return to Earth in March, Rubio faced the unique challenge of being separated from his family and the Earth he calls home for a longer period than anticipated. "Had I known that I would have had to miss those very important events," Rubio said, referring to milestones such as sending his son off to college, "I just would have had to say, ‘Thank you but no thank you.’”

Breaking Records and Glass Ceilings
Rubio's space odyssey didn't just mark a personal journey; it set records. The 47-year-old astronaut broke the previous record of 355 days for the longest spaceflight by an American. These aren't just statistics in a NASA database; they are significant milestones that have a direct impact on humanity’s quest to understand the universe.

A Hero’s Welcome
Rubio’s re-entry to Earth took place in central Kazakhstan, arriving at 7:17 a.m. Eastern time. Alongside two cosmonauts from Roscosmos, the Russian Federal Space Agency, Rubio was flown to eastern Kazakhstan and will be subsequently flown back to Houston, home of the NASA Johnson Space Center.

Not Just Stardust and Dreams
But let’s talk about the unsung heroes—Rubio's family. They've had to come to terms with his prolonged absence and the inherent risks involved in space travel. According to Rubio, his body will take a few months to readjust to Earth's gravity. His first few hours back will be spent "making close friends with some medicine and some bags."

Beyond the Stratosphere, Into Our Hearts
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson heralded Rubio’s time in space as "a major contribution to our understanding of long-duration space missions." Among Rubio’s contributions were studies focused on heart health and the potential for growing food in space—two crucial elements for humanity's future interstellar ambitions.

The Hum of Space Machines vs. The Silence of One’s Backyard
Rubio said he looks forward to enjoying the tranquility of his backyard, a far cry from the incessant hum of machines he'd grown accustomed to on the International Space Station. "Personally, it was an incredible challenge," he said. “Professionally, it was incredibly rewarding.”

Reflection
Hearing about Rubio’s family, and how excited he is to return to them, reminds us that there are things even more important than achievements. Even after accomplishing something as mind-blowing and important as space exploration, Rubio would have said no to it all if it means he got to see his son go to college. This reminds us that there are no accomplishments, accolades, or milestones we can hit that will ever replace love, family, and relationships. Let this story be a humble reminder to all of us that we ought never to sacrifice our families at the altars of success.

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

Judge Rules Trump Committed Fraud in Building Real Estate Empire

New York Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that former U.S. President Donald Trump defrauded banks and insurers while building his real estate empire. This story holds particular weight given Trump's prominence as a business mogul, former President, and the Republican front-runner for the 2024 presidential nomination.

The Ruling
Judge Engoron's ruling was in response to a civil lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The judge concluded that Trump and his company engaged in a pattern of deceptive practices that included massively overvaluing assets to secure loans and other financial benefits. These actions have led the judge to order some of Trump's business licenses be rescinded, effectively making it challenging for his companies to operate in New York State.

Reactions
Donald Trump responded to the ruling with vehement disapproval, stating that it was "un-American" and vowing to appeal. His lawyer, Christopher Kise, insisted the ruling was "completely disconnected from the facts and governing law."

Letitia James said the ruling is a significant victory and expressed eagerness to present the rest of her case at trial. She seeks up to $250 million in penalties.

Legal Consequences and Ongoing Cases
If the ruling stands, Trump would be stripped of his authority to make strategic decisions over some of his key properties in New York. Moreover, this judgment is not an isolated incident. Trump and his organization are entangled in a number of other legal challenges, including indictments in Georgia, Washington, D.C., and Florida.

Political Implications
While Trump calls the decision part of an ongoing plot to sabotage his possible return to the White House, others view the ruling as a reckoning for years of alleged fraudulent behavior. The decision puts Trump's political future into question, as legal entanglements could hinder his 2024 presidential campaign.

The Trump Organization, previously convicted of tax fraud, now faces another obstacle. Limited liability companies that control some of Trump's key properties will be dissolved, and authority over them will be handed over to a receiver.

Balanced Perspective
It is crucial to consider the ruling in the broader context. On one hand, there's a legal system working to hold individuals accountable for unlawful actions. On the other hand, some may see the multiple lawsuits against Trump as politically motivated. Two things can be true at once. Donald Trump was not famous for being an upstanding citizen before taking office. There were several scandals and lawsuits piled against him before he became president. However, many people chose to look over his checkered past because they thought he was the best candidate. This growing pile of legal battles just now coming to the forefront may very well be politically motivated, as Trump has many enemies who would rather him not take office again. However, that doesn’t make these cases less credible. We can hold two truths in tension at the same time - Trump’s opponents are weaponizing the legal system against him, and a few or many of these cases may have merit to them.

Reflection
The Bible tells us, "Do not steal, do not lie, do not deceive one another" (Leviticus 19:11). Whether you are a supporter or critic of Donald Trump, as believers, we are called to pray for our leaders and for justice to be served. While the legal system runs its course, we should remember Proverbs 11:1, which states, "The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him." Instead of being on the side of Trump or the side of the courts, we are going to remain on the side of truth and justice.

We will pray that the growing legal drama surrounding Trump will not ignite us to be harsh or bitter in our speech. Instead, we will remember Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

So Long, Red Envelopes
The Quiet Death of Netflix’s DVD Service

The end of an era is upon us. It's time to wave goodbye to Netflix’s DVD service, the disc-by-mail phenomenon that, once upon a time, turned our humble mailboxes into magical cinemas. My friends, prepare your eulogies and dust off your DVD players; the iconic red envelope is making its final curtain call.

Now, if you’re like me, you thought that DVD service was gone long ago. Well, we were wrong! Apparently you could have still ordered DVDs from Netflix. Now it’s time to officially say goodbye…

Sentimentality in Red
Remember those quaint years of the early to late 2000s when your mailbox was crammed with red envelopes? Ah, the nostalgia. Between 2007 and 2009, Netflix shipped a staggering billion DVDs by mail. That’s right, a billion, with a ‘B’, as in ‘Blockbuster is Bankrupt Because Netflix Became Brilliant.’

Those red envelopes were, for many of us, our first encounters with binge-watching, albeit in a cumbersome, snail-mail sort of way. Next-day delivery, no late fees, and a whole world of cinema beyond whatever sad shelf your local video store maintained. Yes, Netflix was the Patrick Swayze of movie services, whispering film titles into our ears long before the likes of “Netflix and chill” entered the vernacular.

But Wait, There’s More (Tech)
Despite being christened as ‘old-school,’ Netflix's DVD service was nothing short of a technological marvel. From the warehouse robotics to machine learning algorithms for quality control, the company demonstrated innovation that would even make Iron Man jealous. Even Tony Stark didn't have pneumatic arms processing 1.6 million discs daily, although he might've if he ever gave up the whole superhero gig.

"Manual labor, you say? Not in my DVD kingdom!" declared Netflix, paraphrased, of course. The company transformed a monumental human task into machine-driven efficiency with automated rental return machines and specially designed scanners. It was as if they were preparing for the robot uprising by getting the machines on their side.

Farewell to Discs, Hello to Pixels
As with any tale of tech evolution, there comes a time when the old must make way for the new. The DVD service was essentially the financial rocket fuel for Netflix’s streaming ambitions. Billions in profits from this so-called ‘outdated’ model were funneled into turning Netflix into a global streaming giant.

Pause and Reflect
In the hustle and bustle of streaming, it's easy to forget the physical tangibility that came with DVDs. For a brief moment in time, they redefined our connection to movies. So, let’s pause and give a standing ovation to the end of an era. How quickly we have transitioned from the simplicity of DVDs to the complexity of algorithms dictating our watchlists.

As we wave goodbye to these red envelopes, it's a reminder that everything has a season. The Bible says, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). As we wave goodbye to the era of DVD’s, maybe it’s time to reflect on all the other changes happening in our lives that we have yet to accept. Perhaps there are things we are holding onto and holding us back from embracing a new season of life. Whatever it may be for you, we will pray that God works it all out in due time.

Thank you for joining us today on PRAY NEWS. It is our aim to be informed and transformed. We pray today you will proceed with hope, love, and determination to be a force for good.