Explaining the Senate's votes on voting legislation and the filibuster, businesses big bets on the

metaverse, more details about last weekend's hostage situation, and other top news for Wednesday,

January 19th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with the pourover. Thank you so

much for joining us. Here's the quote of the day. The cross is the surest, truest, and deepest

window on the very heart and character of the living and loving God. N.T. Right. Let's jump

right in with some espresso shots. It's a big week in the Senate, even though nothing is expected

to actually happen. Here's a rundown. Democrats are pushing federal voting legislation. They say it's

necessary to protect Americans right to vote, but Republicans say it's a federal power grab.

Getting the law passed a filibuster requires 60 votes, 50 Democrats plus 10 Republicans,

but removing the filibuster altogether only requires 50 votes, all 50 Democrats united,

plus VP Harris's tie-breaking vote. While all 50 Democrats are in favor of the voting legislation,

two of them, Joe Manchin and Kirsten Sinema, are not willing to abolish the filibuster.

Since zero Republicans support the voting legislation or ending the filibuster,

every vote will fail. Despite this, Senate Democrats are barreling ahead, forcing everyone to put

their yay or nay on record. Followers of Christ are not identified by their political affiliation,

but by their love for others. And yes, that means loving people that you believe have

unloving political beliefs or stances. John 1335. By this, everyone will know that you are my

disciples if you love one another. It's all about the metaverse. In their largest acquisition ever,

Microsoft announced it is buying video game company Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion.

The move will catapult Microsoft squarely to the front of the gaming industry,

but also solidifies their plans to not let meta create the metaverse unchecked.

Speaking of which, Walmart is quietly making plans for how to fill those virtual shelves with

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