Worthy Brief - 1/2/2017
Friend, as the ball drops!
Psalms 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
There were thousands of people bundled up in freezing New York weather to witness a few short seconds during which a descending ball of light announces the arrival of a New Year -- 2017. These hardy people endured the freezing air to mark the passage of time, but even more, because they were anticipating a "new beginning!" Saying good bye to a tumultuous 2016, they were looking forward to making a fresh start in 2017!
One thing given equally to every person, rich or poor -- is time. In 2016, each of us lived 365 days, 8,760 hours and 525,600 minutes. How did you spend it? Reflecting over 2016, I am astounded how quickly the year seemed to pass -- almost like the proverbial blink of an eye. And looking back over it has caused me to ask, am I really carefully managing my time...the one commodity I "spend", that I can never buy back?
The psalmist expresses a timely request on our behalf..."Teach us to number our days", so that every one of them truly counts for the Lord!
Friend, we can't change the past, but we can always improve our time management in the year to come. With so much work to be done, let's apply our hearts to wisdom, and use our time wisely!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Tampa, FL
Editor's Note: Let President-Elect Trump know the Importance of Israel: Sign our Petition!
Editor's Note: We are on a cross-country speaking/music tour this winter and early spring in the United States! If you see that we will be close to your area and you want to hear a timely word from Worthy News Founder and Director, George Whitten and powerful Israeli Worship Music from Baht Rivka Whitten, Lazman Hazeh Music, as well as testimony of life and ministry in the Land, we invite you to join us -- or even invite us to speak/sing at your Congregation, Conference, Church, Midweek Meeting or Israel focused Event, especially if you see a free date on our way! We hope to hug you! Send us an email to george [ @ ] worthyemail.com for more information. Check out our calendar and see if we're speaking near you!
Around the World
No US carrier at sea leaves gap in Middle East, First Time Since WW2
For the next week, not only will there be no U.S. Navy aircraft carrier in the Middle East, but there will be no American aircraft carriers deployed at sea anywhere else in the world, despite a host of worldwide threats facing the United States.
Istanbul Nightclub Terror Attack on New Years Eve; Gunman Still At Large
At least 39 people were killed and nearly 70 were wounded when a gunman opened fire shortly after a nightclub crowd had celebrated ringing in the New Year.
North Korea prepares for new round of nuclear weapons tests
North Korea is reportedly in the final stages for a new round of nuclear weapons tests, Pyongyang announced Sunday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Bolton calls for Trump to retaliate against UN over Israel resolution
Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton on Sunday called for the U.S. to take action against the international body and member nations who supported a resolution censuring Israel over its settlements.
Netanyahu, Putin speak for second time in a week
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Saturday night with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the evolving situation in the Mideast, the second time the two leaders have spoken this week.
Abbas: 2017 will be the year of Palestinian statehood
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday told Fatah party officials that 2017 would be 'the year of the independent Palestinian state.'
Hamas leader floats idea of West Bank-Gaza Strip federation
A senior Hamas official said on Friday that a federation between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip could be a feasible solution to the ongoing division between Hamas and Fatah.
Yesh Atid could top Likud if Israeli elections held today, poll shows
The center-left Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party could oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud as head of government if elections were held today, a new Channel 10 news poll suggests.
Report: Netanyahu to be interrogated by police this week
After several attempts to coordinate an interrogation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, investigators will question him under caution on Monday, Israel Radio reported on Sunday.
Inside the United States
In 2017, GOP Congress Sees Mandate to Undo Obama's Agenda
Republicans' grip on all levers of power stands as a mandate to the GOP-led Congress, which will move swiftly to try to undo eight years of outgoing President Barack Obama's agenda.
Judge blocks Obama mandate forcing doctors to perform abortions, transgender surgeries
President-elect Donald Trump can undo many of President Obama's executive orders with the stroke of a pen, but rolling back a key new mandate forcing religious doctors and hospitals to perform abortions and transgender surgeries looks to be a much more protracted legal battle.
Obama spending another $300 million in Kenya
The Obama administration is seeking to infuse another $306 million into HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs solely for the African nation of Kenya, where men who have sex with men, female sex workers and people who inject drugs 'are considered key populations for intervention.'
Chicago murder rate up nearly 60 percent in 2016 for biggest spike in decades
The murder rate in the nation's third-largest city more than doubled in 2016 -- a staggering statistic that represents the largest spike in decades, statistics show.
Washington Post retracts story about Russian hack at Vermont utility
The Washington Post has retracted its story about Russian hackers penetrating the nation's electricity grid with a virus found in a Burlington, Vt., electric company laptop.
Christian News
ISIS Leader Lays Trap to Kill Christian TV Ministry Worker -- But Ends Up Embracing Jesus Instead
Such is the incredible power of God that He could melt the heart of a vicious Islamic State (ISIS) leader and turn him into an ardent follower of Christ--almost in an instant.
2017 to Bring Rise in Violent Persecution of Christians Worldwide: Report
Christians living in Islamic countries as well as in the world's two most populous countries of India and China are set to face heightened threats of violent persecution at the hands of both state and non-state actors in 2017, Release International has warned.