Thursday, April 10, 2025

Welcome!

The season’s shifting, and so is the Spirit’s wind. Catch it—there’s movement in the Kingdom.

This issue … when we honor the bedroom, we enhance everything else, is Gen Z awakening?, disruptive dynamics, and more

P.S. ⬇️ — Muscle, the anti-aging secret few discuss

Signals & shifts

Quick hits from around the world and under the radar—where faith, culture, and global currents intersect. Curated to help you see, pray, and act with Kingdom clarity.

🔥 New research: Younger adults lead rise in belief in Jesus
While skepticism toward organized religion grows, a Barna study reveals a significant uptick in personal commitment to Jesus—especially among younger adults. “This may be the clearest sign of genuine spiritual renewal in the U.S. in years.”

🌍 Taiwan’s Prayer Surge
Over 40,000 prayer groups are forming across Taiwan as tensions with China rise. “Taiwan’s Christians are taking to their knees by night.” Let’s pray for protection, wisdom, and peace in the region.

⚖️ Netanyahu: ‘The Option Is Military.’ As U.S.-Iran nuclear talks falter, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signals a hardline stance: “If diplomacy fails, the option is military.” The Middle East remains a potential flashpoint—pray for wisdom and restraint.

🔭 Watchword
"God never wastes a wilderness—He uses it to prepare deliverers." — Lou Engle

🥚 A new food pyramid
With chronic illnesses soaring across the United States, a group of doctors and nutrition researchers say it’s time to reconsider the foundation of American dietary advice—starting from the bottom up.

The covenant crisis—why the bedroom matters

At The Smart Edit, we’re passionate about exploring the ways of Jesus—discovering what it really means to know Him and grow as His Kingdom apprentices.

Our culture worships “success” and individualism. But somewhere along the way, we lost the plot.

We bought into the lie that success is measured by what we can secure, achieve, or dominate in the outside world.

Meanwhile, the sacred space of covenant—the bedroom—has been cheapened and sidelined.

We’ve traded depth for dopamine. We swipe, scroll, and sample, forgetting that real intimacy requires something no app or worldly “success” can offer … covenant, commitment, and self-giving love.

The enemy knows this—break the bedroom, and you weaken the family.

In this fractured landscape, the bedrock of a thriving culture—the family—rests on the sanctity of marriage.

We need to re-sanctify marriage. To recover the awe of oneness. To understand that the true power move isn’t dominance out there—but faithfulness behind closed doors.

The bedroom? It shapes legacies for the Greater Story.

A few key takeaways …

🏠 True success begins at home. It's not about achievement out there, but faithfulness in covenant relationships.

💍 The bedroom is sacred. When we devalue intimacy, we destabilize families—and by extension, communities of faith and society.

🌱 Legacies are shaped in private. What happens behind closed doors echoes for generations.

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WORD WEALTH 🪙 
God’s active Word at work in you

“For the word of God is living and POWERFUL, and sharper than any two-edged sword …” (Hebrews 4.12 NKJV). God is active and working through the agency of his Word.

The NT Greek word energes (en-er-gace) means something at work, active, and effective. The English word “energetic” comes from this word.

“Father God, I receive your Word in my life. Be active and at work in me via your Word.”

Related: see the new, growing collection of Smart Edit ‘Word Wealth’ segments.

Are we watching a spiritual awakening unfold on our phones

In a time when anxiety and disconnection are rising, many are quietly turning to their phones — not for distraction, but for connection with God. 📱 

Could it be that under the surface of cultural chaos, something powerful is stirring? ✨

Bible and Christian app downloads are exploding, signaling a possible spiritual awakening, especially among Gen Z.

Stories like Sarah’s — once lost in addiction, now restored in faith and family — showcase the redemptive power of God reaching people through tools like the Hallow app.

Print Bible sales are also up, and platforms like YouVersion and Bible Chat are surging.

Experts believe this isn’t just a tech trend: it may be the beginning of a nationwide return to God.

Brian—look for indicators and patterns of God at work. “Holy Spirit, we ask that you would draw many to Jesus. Thank you.”

Adapted from Starved for God: Bible, religious apps see explosive growth

Hallowed be Thy app

Disruptive dynamics. The kingdom of God often challenges comfort zones. While tradition feels secure, Jesus calls us into something new—something disruptive. It’s not about creating our own way, but surrendering to shifts from above ourselves. What feels disturbing may be the very sign of Christ’s work unfolding in us. As we follow Him, we need to discern the difference between clinging to the old and embracing the revolutionary things the Holy Spirit is doing.

Fasting? Me? Maybe the Lord is calling us to fast from something. That very thing could be masking something deeper—an issue that needs to surface. As Peter writes to us, "Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts" (1 Peter 3.15 NKJV). This is giving Him space to reveal and heal what’s been hidden, allowing his presence to transform every part within. Look for big and surprising dividends as we make room for his work.

Adjust your dial. Tune in.

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Related newsletter: Time for a personal faith campaign?

Word of the week: Neophilia — Love of, preference for, or great interest in what is new. “You might call it ‘neophilia,’ but I call it keeping up with the trends.” Source: WordDaily

Trivia answer: B) Fasting. It’s gaining traction among younger believers—not just for personal renewal, but as a shared expression for justice, clarity, and revival. Isaiah 58 vibes. ➡️ Go further: The resurgence of spiritual disciplines among younger Christians: seeking depth in a digital age (Cast News)