Devotional

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

This week is a significant milestone in U.S history as our U.S. community members celebrate the 250th anniversary of U.S independence. 250 years ago the founders of America understood that ‘Creator’ God had granted them the opportunity to forge a new country and boldly declared:

Reflecting on those 3 key words, life, liberty and pursuit, reveals the following as a Christ follower:

Life

The American way of life is the envy of the world. Just listen to foreign visitors attending the ongoing World Cup. They are enamored by simple things like free drink refills, southern BBQ and ranch dressing! Beyond the trivial, people from all over the world have sought to come to the ‘land of opportunity’ for generations. Why, because of a desire for a better life.  

Yet a better life is only assured through Jesus, as he promised us in John 10:10: 

“.... I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  

That’s right, the best life you can live right here and now on earth - not just when you get to heaven, is assured by living in service to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  Pursue Jesus living for the best life has to offer. 

Liberty

America is often referred to as ‘the land of the free’.  But let’s remember freedom is not free, it costs the sacrifice of many souls. In fact, it is estimated that 650,000 Americans have died in battle since the war of Independence. Don't take the freedom you enjoy for granted. Civic freedom however pales in comparison to the eternal freedom Christ offers us through His sacrifice:

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬). 

As Christ followers we gain eternal independence from sin through Jesus' victory that was won on the cross some 2000 years ago. It's a victory that still brings liberty to all that accept Him, and is not limited by which country you live on earth.

Pursuit of Happiness

Note that this third element is a pursuit, and not an assurance. Even Solomon encourages us to do likewise:

 “So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” (‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭8‬:‭15‬)

In 1776, the word ‘happiness’ was not used to represent a temporary emotional state of glee we associate with it today.  Rather, it was used to define a lifelong quest of flourishing based on sound moral development. Still, human endeavors to pursue happiness can only go so far, as true lasting joy comes from a life in relationship with Jesus:

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭11‬)

As you prepare to celebrate this milestone in American history, continue to pursue a life for Jesus and share His-story with others.

Bonus Content: Great podcast that debunks modern myths of American not being a nation built on Christian principles and values: “The 6 Biggest MYTHS About America and Christianity Exposed!”

Pray and Respond

Venezuela Earthquake Crisis

By now, we are all aware of the devastation caused by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, two shallow earthquakes—a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed by a magnitude 7.5 mainshock—struck the north-central region of Venezuela. Many high rise buildings collapsed in Caracas, the capital, and surrounding areas.

As of the time of writing this article, over 1,450 are confirmed dead, and up to 50,000 people remain unaccounted for, now five days after the disaster.

I was so disappointed that for days after, the mainstream media failed to cover this disaster, but rather continued to focus on mostly trivial domestic matters. I even admit my preoccupation with the World Cup was a distraction.

The Lord promoted me to pray for 3 specific things which I share in the graphic above: rescue, recovery and redemption. I encourage you to do so and donate to a reputable Christian organization with boots on the ground, like Samaritan’s Purse, which has deployed a field hospital and aid to the impacted region.

Financial Update

The Missing Piece of the AI Revolution: Why Battery Storage and Renewable Energy Could Power the Next Decade

As AI data centers begin operating around the clock, they require a steady, uninterrupted flow of electricity. Any disruption can impact thousands of servers performing millions of calculations every second.

Battery storage helps solve this problem.

Large-scale battery systems store excess electricity generated during periods of high renewable production and release it back onto the grid when demand rises or renewable generation declines. In effect, batteries act as a bridge between fluctuating energy production and constant energy demand, helping stabilize the electrical grid while reducing reliance on backup fossil-fuel generation.

For utilities, this creates greater flexibility. For technology companies, it provides more reliable power. And for the economy, it represents another critical layer of infrastructure needed to support the rapidly expanding AI ecosystem.

The investment implications extend well beyond batteries themselves. As governments and private companies invest billions into modernizing electrical grids, demand is expected to grow for battery manufacturers, renewable energy developers, power management software, electrical equipment suppliers, and companies building energy storage facilities. Together, these industries form the backbone of a more resilient and intelligent energy system.

How to Invest in the Energy Storage & Renewable Infrastructure Boom

As artificial intelligence drives electricity demand higher, investors may have several ways to gain exposure to this long-term trend. While every investment carries risk, here are a few sectors and companies often associated with the buildout of tomorrow's energy infrastructure.

1. Battery Storage Companies

Large-scale battery systems are becoming increasingly important for stabilizing the electrical grid and storing renewable energy.

Tesla (TSLA) – Beyond electric vehicles, Tesla has become one of the world's largest providers of utility-scale battery storage through its Megapack business.

Fluence Energy (FLNC) – Specializes in grid-scale battery storage systems used by utilities and renewable energy providers.

Enphase Energy (ENPH)– Manufactures residential battery storage systems that complement rooftop solar installations.

2. Renewable Energy Developers

As demand for clean electricity grows, renewable energy companies are expanding solar, wind, and hybrid power projects.

NextEra Energy (NEE)– One of North America's largest renewable energy developers and electric utilities.

Brookfield Renewable (BEPC/BEP) – Owns and operates hydroelectric, wind, solar, and energy storage assets around the world.

AES Corporation (AES)– Investing heavily in renewable energy projects and battery storage alongside traditional power generation.

3. Grid Modernization & Electrical Equipment

Building more power plants isn't enough—the electricity must reach homes, businesses, and AI data centers through an upgraded grid.

Eaton (ETN)– Manufactures electrical equipment used in data centers, utilities, and commercial buildings.

Quanta Services (PWR) – Builds and maintains transmission lines, substations, and other critical grid infrastructure.

GE Vernova (GEV)– Provides power generation equipment, grid technologies, and renewable energy solutions.

4. Energy Management & Smart Grid Technology

As electricity demand becomes more complex, software and automation systems help utilities balance supply, demand, and battery storage.

Schneider Electric – A global leader in energy management software, grid automation, and industrial efficiency solutions.

Siemens Energy – Develops smart grid technology, transmission equipment, and digital energy management systems.

ABB Ltd. – Provides grid automation, electrification products, and industrial power management technologies.

5. Diversified ETF Exposure

For investors seeking broad exposure rather than individual companies, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a diversified approach.

First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure ETF (GRID) – Invests in companies building and modernizing electrical grids.

Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT) – Focuses on battery manufacturers, lithium miners, and energy storage companies.

iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) – Provides exposure to companies involved in renewable energy production worldwide.

Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW)– Invests in a diversified portfolio of clean energy innovators.

The AI revolution is creating opportunities far beyond technology companies. Every AI model requires reliable electricity, every data center needs resilient infrastructure, and every power grid benefits from greater flexibility. Investors who look beyond software and semiconductors may find that some of the biggest long-term winners are the companies building the energy systems that make artificial intelligence possible.

Health Nuggets

Doomscrolling

Doomscrolling has been described as the compulsive activity of pursuing negative news online and it has been linked to high anxiety, negative thoughts, and depression in one's life and future. This behavior can be dangerous for our health.

An article in EpochHealth shows that an individual on average will spend about 110 minutes/day scrolling on social media. These platforms are driving this consumption. Why do we feel so drawn to negativity and why are we prone to share it?

Sometimes, reading the news can create an illusion of control. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the public was quarantined at home, gripped by anxiety, fear and apprehensions about the future, many people inadvertently copped by trying to stay “in the know”, which doomscrolling got its name.

Studies show that the over exposure to negative news, whether it is a pandemic or a natural disaster, correlates with higher levels of stress and depression. That negativity penetrates the personal domain and feeds it inside of us. This can be linked to a popular story of the “Two Wolves”. The parable recounts the story of a grandfather teaching his grandson about life. “Inside each of us are two wolves,” he explains. “One is full of fear, anger, and despair. The other is full of hope, peace, and love. The two wolves are always fighting.” The grandson asks, “Which one wins? The grandfather answers, “The one you feed.”

A psychiatrist pointed out that social media shrinks our attention spans and robs our attention from families and friends. As people become more addicted to the screens, they naturally feel less connected to those around them, the ones that matter most.

Doom to Your Health

Doomscrolling can affect your physical health. Often starting with sleep disruption. Watching the nightly news before going to bed, can cause trouble falling asleep.

Abstaining from technology can be difficult. The algorithms manipulate emotions, headlines command attention and a constrained fear of missing out (FOMO) dominates our sense of belonging.

To prevent doomscrolling, apply the following suggestions:

• Turn off news and social media apps one to two hours before going to bed

• Set a timer to  limit scroll time

• Keep track of your screen time

• Read positive newsfeeds (kindness media)

• Spend more time with friends and family

• Start a new hobby, read a book

• Exercise

• Pray, read the Bible/devotional books

By consciously curating our content, taking mindful breaks, and proactively seeking “kindness media”, we can avoid succumbing to doomscrolling habits.

Note: Health Nuggets are opinions and not medical advice.

Trivia Corner

Test your wisdom and knowledge of the Bible and related subjects.

Subscribe for free and Share with Friends

Join a vibrant community of Christians pursuing God’s wisdom for life and business. Receive Solomon’s Circle newsletter directly to your inbox weekly: