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Worthy Brief - Christian Newsletter » Newsletters » 2026 » January » Worthy Brief - 1/9/2026

Worthy Brief - 1/9/2026

Friend, a kingdom mindset: living beyond self!

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 

When identity is rooted in Yeshua (Jesus), our priorities begin to shift. The new creation no longer lives governed by survival, self-preservation, or personal ambition. Identity realigns vision. What once dominated our thoughts -- security, recognition, comfort -- begins to loosen its grip as eternity comes into view. A Kingdom mindset is the natural fruit of knowing who we are and whose we are.

Yeshua’s words in Matthew 6:33 cut through the noise of earthly striving: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” This is not a call to neglect responsibility, but to reorder affection. The Kingdom is not something we add to our lives -- it becomes the lens through which we see everything else. When eternity takes first place, the temporary finds its proper position.

Living beyond self means we no longer measure life by what we gain, but by what we steward. Time, resources, influence, and opportunity are no longer viewed as personal possessions but Kingdom trusts. Identity frees us from self-centered living and draws us into God-centered purpose. We begin to ask different questions—not “What benefits me?” but “What advances the Kingdom?”

A Kingdom mindset lifts our eyes above immediate circumstances. It trains the heart to value what lasts and to release what fades. Fear loses its authority when eternity governs our thinking. Anxiety diminishes when trust deepens. We discover that when God’s Kingdom becomes our priority, His provision becomes our promise.

This way of living is not driven by pressure, but by clarity. The new creation does not chase meaning -- they live from it. Anchored in eternal truth, they walk with peace in uncertainty and purpose in every season. Their lives quietly testify that there is more than what is seen, and that heaven’s values are worth living for.

Friend, lift your eyes beyond the temporary and fix your heart on what is eternal. Let the Kingdom of God realign your priorities and reorder your desires. Lay down self-centered ambition and take hold of heaven’s purpose. Seek first the Kingdom, and trust God with the rest. Let eternity shape your decisions, guide your steps, and anchor your soul. Rise and live beyond yourself -- your life was made for more, and the Kingdom is calling you forward.

Shabbat shalom ... Have a great weekend and we'll see you bright and early Monday morning!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George & Baht Rivka (Orlando, Florida)

Around the World
Rubio to Meet Danish Officials as Trump Presses Greenland Acquisition for U.S. Security
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Danish officials next week amid renewed insistence from President Donald Trump that the United States must acquire Greenland to protect American national security interests in the Arctic.
U.S. Senate Moves to Curb Trump’s Military Authority After Venezuela Operation
U.S. President Donald J. Trump faced an unprecedented rebuke from the Republican-controlled Senate late Thursday after lawmakers advanced a war powers resolution aimed at limiting his authority to conduct military operations in or against Venezuela without congressional approval.
Mass Protests Shake Iran After Exiled Crown Prince Calls for Uprising
Thousands of Iranians poured into the streets and shouted from rooftops across Tehran and other cities Thursday night following a call for mass demonstrations by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, marking a significant escalation in nationwide unrest gripping the Islamic Republic. Witnesses reported widespread chanting and street rallies as authorities abruptly shut down internet access and disrupted phone lines shortly after protests began.
Ukraine Seeks Clear Security Guarantees As Russia Pounds Power Grid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday he has yet to receive a “clear, unequivocal answer” from European allies on whether they would militarily defend Ukraine if Russia launched new attacks after a future peace deal, as Moscow unleashed fresh deadly strikes across the war-torn country.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF Airstrike Kills Hezbollah Drone Operative in Southern Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces said Thursday that it carried out an airstrike in the Zaita area of southern Lebanon, killing a Hezbollah operative involved in drone operations and terror activity along Israel’s northern border.

Inside the United States
Trump Calls for $1.5 Trillion Pentagon Budget, Says ‘Dream Military’ Needed for Dangerous Times
President Donald Trump on Jan. 7 proposed raising U.S. military spending to $1.5 trillion in 2027, a dramatic increase he said is necessary to secure the nation amid what he described as “very troubled and dangerous times.”
U.S. House Votes To Extend ACA Subsidies, Heads To Senate
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies for another three years.
Trump Orders $200 Billion Mortgage Bond Buy To Lower Rates
President Donald Trump said Thursday afternoon that the federal government will buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds to bring down interest rates and monthly payments.
Vance Addresses Minneapolis Shooting, Questions Leftwing Influence
Vice President JD Vance on Thursday questioned potential leftwing involvement in the shooting death of a woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis.

Christian News
Syria’s Christians Suffer As Thousands Flee Clashes; Several Killed
There was mounting concern Thursday about the plight of Christians still staying in war-torn Syria after fighting escalated in the northern city of Aleppo, killing several people and prompting tens of thousands to flee their homes.