Read Time: 5 min 19 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade
─────── November 12, 2026 ───────
Happy Thursday!
This week TPO is praying for East Africa, which is experiencing a severe drought and hunger crisis. Unfortunately, children are often the hardest hit.
Join us in praying through a three-day audio devotional series for East Africa. Our writers and the president of World Concern will give you information on the crisis, plus a guided prayer to pray on your own or with your family.
This week’s Decaf is brought to you by The Bible Recap for Kids and The Kingdom and the King Yoto cards.
Today’s story was taken from The Pour Over’s November 11th email and rewritten at a 7th-grade reading level.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I wish to be. I am not what I hope to be. Yet I can truly say, I am not what I once was. By the grace of God, I am what I am.”
John Newton
READ | REFLECT | RESPOND
POLITICS
New Majorities
How many people voted in last week’s midterm elections? More than 123 million, which is about how many people live in Japan.
Remember when we covered midterms two weeks ago? (Refresh yourself here if not!) We talked about who gets elected (Congress and state positions), and how the president’s party nearly always loses seats in Congress.
That pattern held this year. Before Election Day, there were slightly more Republicans in both chambers: 218-214 in the House and 53-47 in the Senate. Democrats flipped both majorities.
In the 100-seat Senate, Democrats will control at least 55 seats. In Mississippi’s Senate race, officials finished counting by one-Mississippi, two-Mississippi last night. Democrat Scott Colom beat Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith by about 4,600 votes. Meanwhile, Alaska’s votes are stuck in the ice coming in slowly because of its special voting system... And because lots of people live in places you can only reach by boat or plane. So far, Democrat Mary Peltola is ahead of Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan by about 4,250 votes.
Democrats are also expected to have the largest House majority since 2008, with 37 seats more than needed for a majority. Right now, the split is 255 Democrats and 168 Republicans, and twelve races are still undecided.
Newly elected lawmakers started arriving in Washington for freshman orientation over the weekend. The current Congress also returned to cover unfinished business in its final session.
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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
It’s easy to believe a certain Election Day outcome is better or worse, but Christians can praise God whether we like the way elections turn out or not. Demonstrate your faith in Him by giving thanks in all circumstances.
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (CSB) (read full passage)
READ | REFLECT | RESPOND
What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Our reactions to election results can be an indicator of what we really value.
It’s normal to feel some relief or happiness when our preferred candidates win, and some disappointment when they lose. But when the happiness is tinged with gloating at the misfortune of the other side or the sadness dips into despair, it might be a sign that our hope has drifted from Jesus to our political team.
Regardless of the ballot’s results, setting our hope in Jesus frees us to follow Paul’s example: “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself” (Philippians 4:11 CSB).
What response to this story do I want to model for my children?
Seeking the good of your community long after Election Day.
With massive media coverage, it can feel like filling in those ballot bubbles is the primary way we can work to bring peace and flourishing to our communities. Yet voting only happens every couple of years, while we are called to “pursue the well-being of the city” all the time (Jeremiah 29:7 CSB).
With the election buzz quieting down, look for everyday acts of faithfulness that bring God’s love to our neighborhoods: raking a neighbor’s leaves, slowing down for a conversation, coaching a soccer team, or helping out at a school.
READ | REFLECT | RESPOND
Play the neighbor name game: Elections focus our attention on a few people with big influence. This week, practice having a big influence on a few people, starting with your neighbors. Draw a map of your neighborhood, street, or apartment floor. How many neighbors’ names do you know? Brainstorm small ways to meet the ones you don’t (cookies can’t hurt!).
Memorize 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (CSB).
Pray after the election: Ruler of All Nations, thank You for the privilege of choosing our leaders. Equip the newly elected to serve wisely and with integrity. Open their eyes to see their community’s needs, and surround them with good and wise counsel. For those pleased with the results, help them rejoice with humility, remembering that all rulers are appointed by You. For those disappointed, renew their trust in You, knowing that no election surprises You or upsets Your great plan. Only You are worthy of our hope. Amen.
CREAM AND SUGAR
Gen Alpha Word of the Week: No one loves their enemies like Jesus. He’s the blueprint.
Family Fun: Get your civics on and write letters to your representatives. Introduce yourself, outline the issues that matter to you, and let them know you’re praying for them as they serve your community. You can find their contact info here!
Whipped Cream on Top: Must. touch. this. grass.
RECOMMENDED
What Our Kids Are Reading (Along With Us!)
The whole Bible, with The Bible Recap*
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What We’re Listening to On Repeat
The Kingdom and the King Storybook Bible Yoto Card Set*
Your kids can probably recite every word of their favorite cartoon’s theme song. Wouldn’t you love for them to know God’s story that well?
The Kingdom and the King Yoto cards bring all 70 stories from The Kingdom and the King Storybook Bible to life. One card for each Testament, together tracing God’s kingdom from Creation to the Revelation.
Pop them into your Yoto player for car rides, quiet time, or bedtime. And pair them with the storybook so little ones can follow along with the illustrations.
Use code YOTO to save 25% on these and other Yoto cards from The Good Book Company!
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