Psalm 128

A Song of degrees.

1Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD;

That walketh in his ways.

2For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands:

Happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

3Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: Thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

4Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.

5The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion:

And thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.

6Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children,

And peace upon Israel.

 

Psalm 127

A Song of degrees for Solomon.

1Except the LORD build the house,

They labour in vain that build it:

Except the LORD keep the city,

The watchman waketh but in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows:

For so he giveth his beloved sleep.

3Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:

And the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man;

So are children of the youth.

5Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:

They shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Meanwhile in America...

 Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening in the United States today (August 19, 2025):

---

🇺🇸 Top National News

1. Federal Control of D.C. Police

President Trump has declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., placing the city’s police department under federal control and deploying National Guard troops from several states [1]. This move is sparking legal challenges and concerns over civil liberties.

2. Target Store Shooting in Texas

A gunman opened fire at a Target store in Austin, Texas, killing three people and injuring one. The suspect is in custody, and the motive is still under investigation [1].

3. CDC Building Attack

A separate incident involved a gunman firing over 180 shots at a CDC building, breaking more than 150 windows. The attack is being linked to anti-vaccine rhetoric, and staff are voicing frustration over political tensions [1].

4. Explosion at U.S. Steel Plant in Pennsylvania

Closer to home, in Clairton, PA, two people died and ten were injured in a massive explosion at the U.S. Steel Coke Works plant. One person remains missing [1].

---

🌀 Weather & Environment

• Hurricane Erin has re-strengthened to a Category 4 storm, threatening the East Coast with dangerous rip currents and storm surges [2].
• Flash flooding has hit Milwaukee and parts of the Midwest, prompting emergency declarations and widespread damage [1].

---

🌍 International Relations

• President Trump is preparing for a summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, aiming to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. European leaders are joining Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Washington to present a united front [2].

---

🧬 Health & Safety

• The U.S. State Department has suspended medical-humanitarian visas for people from Gaza, citing security concerns [2].
• A rabies scare has emerged in Wyoming after bats were found in cabins at a national park, potentially exposing hundreds [2].

---

Would you like updates on a specific topic—like politics, weather in your area, or health news?

References

[1] Google News - U.S. - Latest

[2] U.S. News: Latest Breaking Stories, Video, and Photos on American ...

What if it had happened to us?

 If a situation similar to the current Israel-Gaza conflict were to occur in America, the dynamics would likely be dramatically different due to several key factors:

---

🇮🇱 Current Situation in Israel (August 2025)

Israel is facing intense internal and external pressure due to its military operations in Gaza:

• Military escalation: Israel has launched a new offensive to take control of Gaza City, despite widespread international condemnation [1] [2] [3] [4].
• Humanitarian crisis: Over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed, with severe malnutrition and starvation affecting thousands, especially children [2] [3] [4].
• Domestic unrest: Massive protests have erupted across Israel, led by families of hostages demanding a ceasefire and a negotiated deal. Demonstrators blocked roads and called for a nationwide strike [3].
• Global backlash: Countries including Germany, France, Canada, and the UN have condemned Israel’s actions, warning of violations of international law and worsening humanitarian conditions [4].

---

🇺🇸 Hypothetical Scenario in America

If a similar conflict unfolded within U.S. borders, several differences would likely shape the outcome:

1. Scale and Infrastructure

• The U.S. has vastly more territory and resources. A localized conflict would likely be contained more quickly due to advanced surveillance, logistics, and military capabilities.
• Civilian evacuation and aid distribution would be more efficient, though still chaotic.

2. Public Response

• The U.S. public is deeply polarized. A domestic war involving high civilian casualties could trigger massive protests, civil unrest, and possibly armed resistance, depending on the context.
• Media coverage would be relentless, and social media would amplify every incident, potentially destabilizing public trust in government institutions.

3. Legal and Political Constraints

• U.S. military actions on domestic soil would face intense scrutiny under constitutional law and civil rights protections.
• Congress and the courts would likely intervene quickly, especially if civilian casualties mounted or if executive overreach was suspected.

4. International Reaction

• The U.S. is a global superpower. A domestic conflict would have ripple effects worldwide—economically, diplomatically, and militarily.
• Allies might offer mediation, but adversaries could exploit the situation to challenge U.S. influence or sow discord.

5. Humanitarian Response

• Unlike Gaza, where aid is severely restricted, the U.S. would likely see a massive mobilization of domestic and international humanitarian aid.
• However, if the government restricted access or targeted aid-seekers, it would provoke a constitutional crisis and global outrage.

---

Final Thought

The key difference lies in scale, governance, and global standing. While Israel is facing existential threats and regional instability, the U.S. would be dealing with a crisis that could redefine its democracy, civil liberties, and global leadership.

Would you like to explore how historical U.S. events (like the Civil War or 9/11) compare to this kind of scenario?

References

[1] Israel at War day 672: What is going on in Israel, Gaza?

[2] Updates: Israel pounds Gaza City, shoots at crews trying to rescue ...

[3] Israel nationwide protests war in Gaza - CNBC

[4] Israel faces growing global condemnation over military expansion in ...